Alteration of predatory behaviour and growth in juvenile cuttlefish by fluoxetine and venlafaxine

Antidepressants in coastal waters may affect ontogeny of predatory behaviour cuttlefish, which may, as a result, growth newly-hatched cuttlefish. We investigated the effects two most prescribed antidepressants, fluoxetine (FLX) and venlafaxine (VEN) environmentally realistic concentrations on hatchlings Sepia officinalis. Newly-hatched cuttlefish were exposed from 1 h (i.e., day 1) to 5 days after hatching either FLX alone (5 ng·L?1) or combined with VEN (2.5 ng·L?1 each) simulate an exposure scenario. Their was analysed through several parameters: prey detection, feeding motivation success catching prey. All parameters improved control animals over first five days. The combination at each altered by increasing latency before attacking prey, i.e., reducing motivation, well number successful attacks. changes tended reduce food intake affected significantly 28 post-hatching. Exposures mixture 2.5 produce similar effects, even though they not statistically significant. It is likely that antidepressants maturation and/or learning processes associated development this behaviour. slightest delay have detrimental consequences for population fitness.