Anthropogenic stressors impact fish sensory development and survival via thyroid disruption

Marc Besson (), William E. Feeney, Isadora Moniz, Loïc François, Rohan M. Brooker, Guillaume Holzer, Marc Metian, Natacha Roux, Vincent Laudet and David Lecchini
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Marc Besson: PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai
William E. Feeney: Griffith University
Isadora Moniz: PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai
Loïc François: PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai
Rohan M. Brooker: Deakin University
Guillaume Holzer: Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, ENS Lyon
Marc Metian: International Atomic Energy Agency - Environment Laboratories
Natacha Roux: PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai
Vincent Laudet: Sorbonne Université
David Lecchini: PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Larval metamorphosis and recruitment represent critical life-history transitions for most teleost fishes. While the detrimental effects of anthropogenic stressors on the behavior and survival of recruiting fishes are well-documented, the physiological mechanisms that underpin these patterns remain unclear. Here, we use pharmacological treatments to highlight the role that thyroid hormones (TH) play in sensory development and determining anti-predator responses in metamorphosing convict surgeonfish, Acanthurus triostegus. We then show that high doses of a physical stressor (increased temperature of +3 °C) and a chemical stressor (the pesticide chlorpyrifos at 30 µg L−1) induced similar defects by decreasing fish TH levels and affecting their sensory development. Stressor-exposed fish experienced higher predation; however, their ability to avoid predation improved when they received supplemental TH. Our results highlight that two different anthropogenic stressors can affect critical developmental and ecological transitions via the same physiological pathway. This finding provides a unifying mechanism to explain past results and underlines the profound threat anthropogenic stressors pose to fish communities.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17450-8

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