Retarded Behavioral Development and Impaired Balance in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Alevins Hatched from Gastrulae Exposed to DDT

Eggs of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were subjected to 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, or 0.005 ppm DDT at gastrulation. Behavior of hatched fish was observed in DDT-free aquaria for about 30 days, and compared with that of controls. Exposure to the two higher concentrations of DDT retarded behavioral development and impaired balance. The consequences of such behavior changes to wild fish are discussed.