Dietary fatty acid composition influences the fertilization rate of zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton-Buchanan)

Reports in the literature show that the dietary fatty acid (FA) composition is reflected in fish muscle, their internal organs and eggs. Fish eggs are used in toxicity tests to determine the subchronic toxicity of various sub stances. In toxicity tests, physico-chemical test parameters have been stan dardized. However, parental age and diet may also influence results of toxi city tests and if so would also require standardization. Our investigations hitherto indicate that the FA composition of eggs and testes in zebrafish is caused by the FA composition of fish diet. Diets with different ratios o f n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids led to different contents of these FA in the reproductive organs and finally to variations in the fertilization rates. This rate is elevated in the eggs of zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton -Buchanan) if the quotient of n-3/n-6 is low.