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oa Fish Model for Toxicity Screening Studies for Qatar: Killifish Breeding & Developmental Stages
- Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
- Source: Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Proceedings, Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum Volume 2011 Issue 1, Nov 2011, Volume 2011, EVP6
Abstract
Background: The use of Arabian killifish embryos is proposed as an alternative to using juvenile or adult fish for environmental risk studies. Fish embryo toxicity (FET) methods can provide many benefits; they are considered animal alternatives, they require relatively small sample size and reduced time to determine toxicity endpoints.
Objective: The establishment of a laboratory fish culture to provide embryos and identification of early developmental stages for the FET method. Arabian killifish are not a widely cultured organism for breeding purposes. Laboratory method development to produce quality embryos was initiated in early 2010.
Methods: The standard FET approach that uses Zebrafish (Daniorerio) or Medaka was adapted to the Arabian Gulf killifish. The Arabian killifish (Aphaniusdispar) are small fish (5–6 cm) from the family of cyprinodontidae. Behavioral patterns, feeding optimization, diurnal cycle, male to female ratio as well as other factors were studied in the laboratory. Specially designed breeding chambers and egg collection traps were necessary to eliminate egg predation and facilitate collection. Once fertilized eggs were obtained, the developmental stages were documented in order to identify eco-toxicity study endpoints.
Results: The Arabian killifish exhibits the traits needed for FET testing. They are able to be cultured in the laboratory and produce a sufficient number of eggs to perform eco-toxicity studies. The eggs are transparent with rapid developmental stages that are easily identified by light microscopy.
Conclusion: We have been successful in the production of quality embryos for testing, both in terms of viability (fertilization) and quantity released. The developmental stages of the Arabian killifish have been identified to provide an array of potential endpoints for eco-toxicity studies.