Male goldfish reproductive behaviour and physiology are severely affected by exogenous exposure to 17beta-estradiol

Mature male goldfish were exposed to different concentrations of the natural hormone 17beta-estradiol (E2). Two methods of exposure were employed, via ingestion at 0, 1, 10 and 100 microg/g food and via the water at 0, 1 and 10 microg/l. The fish were exposed for 24-28 days during the spawning period. The males were then paired with an artificially induced, spawning female and their sexual behaviour was observed during a 15 min period. The physiological status of the fish was also examined with respect to GSI, presence of milt and spawning tubercles and the blood plasma concentration of E2. Despite the relatively short exposure period, exposure to physiological levels of E2 was shown to severely affect the male goldfish reproductive behaviour and physiology. In conclusion, the results from this study and the ability to interpret the effects on this well-studied species, show that the effects of E2, and possibly other estrogenic EDCs, have severe effects at several vital levels of male goldfish reproduction. The results also suggests that the hormone E2 can act as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) in the environment.