Effects of Pharmaceticals on Fathead Minnows

From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

Pharmaceticals—They’re meant to make you feel better, but when they get into the environment, their effects on fish are not quite as beneficial.

We partnered with the Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory at St. Cloud State University to look at the effects of a suite of opioids, antidepressants, a muscle relaxants & a sleep aid on a species of fish called fathead minnows.

Using both lab mixtures and environmental conditions, we found that both juvenile and adult flathead minnows suffer some negative side effects from the drugs. Juveniles weren’t as adept at escaping threats; adult females had larger livers; and males weren’t as motivated to defend their nests.

You can read more here: http://on.doi.gov/1PrM5OO

#USGS #Science #Pharmaceuticals #Fish

Image shows a fathead minnow during one of the lab experiments. Photo credit: Megan Cox, St. Cloud State University