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Effects of trace metals on growth of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) as measured by RNA-DNA ratios

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Relationships between sublethal concentrations of cadmium and zinc in natural water and metal uptake by and growth of fish were investigated. RNA-DNA ratios and weight gain were used to assess seasonal growth differences between yellow perch populations from contaminated and control sites. Whole-body concentrations of cadmium and zinc in young-of-the-year perch (Perca flavescens) were significantly different between sites. Measurable growth differences did occur and were significantly correlated with cadmium levels. Growth differences that were prominent during mid-summer were reduced by late summer. RNA-DNA ratios were sensitive indicators of fish growth.

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Author notes

  1. Gary J. Atchison

    Present address: Department of Animal Ecology, Iowa State University, 50011, Ames, Iowa, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bionucleonics Department, Purdue University, 47907, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

    Paul K. Kearns & Gary J. Atchison

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  1. Paul K. Kearns
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  2. Gary J. Atchison
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Kearns, P.K., Atchison, G.J. Effects of trace metals on growth of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) as measured by RNA-DNA ratios. Environ Biol Fish 4, 383–387 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005528

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005528

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