Locomotor behavior of four marine teleosts in response to sublethal copper exposure

In order to examine the effects of sublethal Cu super(2+) (0.1 mg multiplied by l super(-1)) exposure on pinfish, (Lagodon rhomboides ), Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus ), sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus ) and sea catfish (Arius felis ) locomotor behavior, the movements of individual fish were electronically monitored in 16-choice circular tanks, before and after 72 h of exposure. Two weeks after exposure the sheepshead resumed normal (pre-exposure) activity, swimming speed and decreased the initial angular orientation. Sea catfish on the other hand became extremely hypoactive, decreasing their swimming speed and increasing their angular orientation. More than 60% of the sea catfish died between 1 and 3 wk after exposure, suggesting a latent effect from the Cu super(2+) exposure. No mortality occurred in the other sepcies.