Comparative sensitivity of eggs, larvae and adults of the estuarine teleosts, Fundulus heteroclitus and Menidia menidia to cadmium

The sensitivity of the mummichog fundulus heteroclitus and the Atlantic silverside menidia menidia to cadmium is measured at various stages in their lives. Duration of tests is limited to 48 hr so that comparisons of sensitivity can be made for specific ages of each species. Fundulus eggs are not very sensitive to cadmium toxicity during the first 48 hr after fertilization. Menidia larvae are more sensitive than fundulus larvae. Larval fundulus and menidia are more sensitive to cadmium toxicity than eggs or adults are.