The effect of nonylphenol on spermiogram , hematological properties and reproductive ability of comet goldfish ( Carassius auratus )

The degradation product of nonylphenoletoxilate (NPEO), nonylphenol (NP), had adverse effects on the reproduction of several species of male fish. In this study, spermatological properties of comet goldfish (Carrasius auratus) after a 30 day exposure with 0.03-0.30 mg NP L were investigated. Mature C. auratus (weight: ~6.87 g; length: ~10.06 cm) were reared in 15 pairs of glass tank. Thirty days after exposure, significant dose-dependent effects of NP in the treated male fish groups were observed such as reduction in number of sperm, change in semen parameters, and suppressed reproductive behavior. High number of sperm was microscopically founded present in the semen control fish and fish treated by 0.03 mg NP/L, but was scarce in the 0.12 mg NP L or higher concentration. Change of semen parameters (pH, color and sperm motility) were observed from fish treated by NP compared to control specimens. A breeding test of treated male fish paired with female matured normal fish revealed that NP suppressed reproductive behavior of male individuals. There were female normal fish spawned and egg hatched when paired with control male fish and treated by 0.03 mg NP L but were remarkably no female fish spawned when paired with male fish treated by 0.12 mg NP L or higher concentration. The result of this study provided the evidence that NP was suppressed male reproduction, as indicated by the reduced quantity and quality of sperm, and suppressed reproductive ability of male C. auratus.