Fluctuating asymmetry and condition in golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) reared in sublethal concentrations of isopropyl methylphosphonic acid.

Chris C Green, Steve E Lochmann

Index: Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 25(1) , 58-64, (2006)

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Abstract

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA; small, random differences between the left and right sides of a bilateral character) has been related to embryological stress during development. Some populations exhibit positive relations between FA and exposure to toxicants during development. The United States has agreed to demilitarize chemical warfare agents in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty. Isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA), the main hydrolysis product of sarin, could be introduced accidentally into the environment during demilitarization. The present study examined the use of FA as a biomarker of developmental stress caused by sublethal exposures to IMPA. A suite of morphometric and meristic traits were measured in two fish species exposed to IMPA. Significant differences were found in composite FA among groups of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) exposed to sublethal concentrations of IMPA during development. No differences were found in composite FA among groups of golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) exposed to IMPA. No relation was found between individual relative condition and FA in channel catfish or golden shiner.