Fish hatching method and apparatus

Abstract

The invention is a method and kit for conducting a rapid toxicity test. Methods and kits according to the invention include an animal or plant species in diapause.

1 . A method for testing toxicity in a test sample comprising exposing a diapause species to a hatching medium, allowing the diapause species to form hatchlings, and exposing the hatchlings to toxicity test materials.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the diapause species is an annual fish species.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the annual fish species is  Nothobranchius guentheri.    
     
     
         4 . A method for testing the toxicity of a test material comprising exposing test material to hatchlings from a species that includes a diapause state, and determining the effect of the test material on the hatchlings.  
     
     
         5 . A method for distributing a species comprising obtaining a species in its diapause state, storing the species in a storage medium, shipping the storage medium containing the species to a pre-determined location, separating the species from the storage medium, and exposing the species to a hatching medium.  
     
     
         6 . A kit for conducting a toxicity test, comprising a composition comprising a species in its diapause state and a storage medium, one or more containers for hatching the species, one or more containers for exposing the hatchlings to a test material; and one or more of the following: a container for storing the composition; a filter or the like for separating the species from the storage medium; a hatching medium; one or more growth factors or promoters suitable for adding to the hatching medium; one or more containers for culturing and/or growing hatchlings.  
     
     
         7 . A hatching apparatus comprising a container having a closed end and an open end, said closed end being shaped to position embryos placed therein in close proximity.  
     
     
         8 . The hatching apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the shape of the closed end is conical.  
     
     
         9 . The hatching apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising an open end having one or more arcuate notches.