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PROCEDURES FOR MEASURING COUGH (GILL PURGE) RATES OF FISH
Citation:
Drummond, R. AND R. Carlson. PROCEDURES FOR MEASURING COUGH (GILL PURGE) RATES OF FISH. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/3-77/133 (NTIS PB277091).
Description:
The cough (gill purge) is an interruption in the normal ventilatory cycle of fish that serves to clean the gills of accumulated particulate matter. A review of the literature shows that the cough occurs in a variety of freshwater and marine fish; that both mechanical and chemical stimulation apparently can cause fish to increase their cough rates; and that an increase in coughing is a rapid and sensitive endpoint for studying chemicals and effluents. In reviewing the test methods and apparatus for measuring cough rates of fish, the authors conclude the electrode chamber method offers more potential as a bioassay tool for assessing the respiratory responses of fish due to toxicant exposure. Recommended test procedures, for using the electrode chamber method are given.