Event Title

Estrogenic effects on a protandrous hermaphroditic species: Amphiprion percula

Presenter Information

Randall Burns, Minnesota State University - Mankato
Katie Dose, Minnesota State University - Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

21-4-2014 10:00 AM

End Date

21-4-2014 11:30 AM

Student's Major

Biological Sciences

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Shannon Fisher

Mentor's Email Address

shannon.fisher@mnsu.edu

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Estrogen concentrations are increased in aquatic environments due to the addition of pharmaceutical drugs (i.e. birth control) through runoff water. This manipulates maturation of sexes within many species that inhabit aquatic enviornments, including fresh and marine habitats. Amphiprion percula exhibit a hierarchal system behavioral pattern, which determines the social status of individuals within a group. Multiple clown anemonefish, A. percula were studied via a controlled environment and hierarchal succession was observed under estrogenic additions. From this study, data on sex change of a hermaphroditic protandrous species was observed under the influence of three concentrations of natural estrogen. Based on sex changes and aggression observed by A. percula, it is suggested that estrogen introduced to an aquatic system through external means, influences female-like characteristic within the species. Implications of estrogen entering marine environments through run-off water, may induce the same qualities and allow for a decrease of Amphiprion spp. overall because of the protandrousity of wild populations

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