Carcinogenicity Tests Using Aquarium Fish

Abstract

In this chapter, the rationale, guidelines, and approaches for conducting small-fish carcinogenicity tests were presented. Goals were to demonstrate that the tests are relatively easy to conduct, that they require little in equipment or expertise in addition to that already available in a modern aquatic toxicology laboratory, and that the tests can approach the power and relevance of rodent carcinogenicity bioassays. Because the development of neoplasms following exposure to a carcinogenic substance is a latent or chronic response, a whole-animal carcinogenicity test using a fish model can be considered an elaboration or extension of routine aquatic toxicity tests that might otherwise have mortality or physiological perturbations as the principal end points.