EFFECT OF LOW WATER pH ON THE EMBRYO AND LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PIKEPERCH (Stizostedion lucioperca L.)

Abstract

The embryos of the pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca L., were incubated continuously from fertilisation, at 7.2-7.4 (control) and 5.0-5.2, at 14-16°C. The subsequent larvae in these environments were maintained at these levels for 7 days after hatching. The investigations revealed histopathological changes caused by low pH level in the cells and tissues of the following organs: integument, brain, eye, heart, gill, intestine and yolk sac.