Symmetry of banding pattern in banded killifish (fundulus diaphanus) from presque isle bay, lake erie

Abstract

We compared levels of banding symmetry in banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus Lesueur) from Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie to two populations outside the bay. One outside population was from the outlet of a stream that flows into Lake Erie (Seven-mile Creek) and the other population was from Lake Pleasant, a lake in an adjacent drainage basin (French Creek). Individuals from Presque Isle Bay had significantly higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry than individuals from the outside sites. One interpretation is that developing embryos are exposed to anthropogenic toxins in Presque Isle Bay resulting in developmental instability. © 2003, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.