Effects of environmental antidepressants on colour change and locomotor behaviour in juvenile shore crabs, Carcinus maenas

Juvenile crabs of Carcinus maenas thrive in coastal waters reputed to be the receptacle continental pollution. Amongst many pollutants encountered, antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (FLX) and venlafaxine (VEN), often detected at ng•L?1 range, are particularly worrying because their action on levels monoamines, serotonin, noradrenaline dopamine. In crustaceans, those monoamines involved colour change through neuropeptide hormones. addition, they known have a role different behaviours, locomotion. Both locomotion strategies used by juvenile hide escape from predators. To investigate if presence antidepressants may alter behaviours ecological importance, were exposed environmentally realistic concentrations either 5 FLX alone or combination with VEN ng•L?1. The ability depending environment locomotor activity monitored weekly over 25 days. Animals displayed pattern than controls, especially each, less efficient adapt environment, i.e., not pale dark controls Moreover, exhibited an enhanced throughout exposure period higher velocity distance moved well more time spend moving. alteration cryptic persistently present marine low impact survival C. long term.