Schooling behavior of Menidia medidia in the presence of the insecticide Sevin (Carbaryl)

A single application of 100 parts per billion Sevin in seawater caused disruption of schooling behavior of Menidia menidia in an artificial setting. Although the change, primarily a spreading out of the school over a larger area, was observed after 24 h exposure, placing the fish in clean water did not bring about a return of normal schooling patterns until 72 h. This is attributed to the accumulation of 1-naphthol, a toxic product of hydrolysis of Sevin. The adaptive significance of changes in schooling behavior is discussed.

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