Effects of Cadmium on Embryo Hatchability, Larval Development and Survival of the Olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

The cadmium (Cd) toxicological effects on the fertilized eggs, embryos and larvae were investigated in olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus water-borne exposed to Cd. The survival rate and hatching success of the embryos significantly diminished in treated groups in dependence of the Cd concentration. Significant differences were found at ${\geq}30{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ exposed groups compared to the control group. A significant increase of malformation of the embryo was observed at ${\geq}20{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ exposed groups. They usually include such symptoms as clouded yolk-sac abnormality, fin erosion and spinal curvature. A significant reduction in the survival rate of the larvae was observed in ${\geq}20{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ exposed groups with accompanied by the disorder. Notably, in larvae, a concentration as low as $10{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ exposed groups caused significant elevated abnormalities that is incidences of spinal cord deformation, abnormal eyes, deformation of the head region and severe developmental delay.