~ 5 ~ ISSN Print: 2617-4693 ISSN Online: 2617-4707 IJABR 2024; SP-8(3): 05-11 www.biochemjournal.com Received: 08-10-2023 Accepted: 16-11-2023 Jaiswar Rahul Ramasre Department of Fish Pharmacology and Toxicology, TNJFU-Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Narsingh Kashyap Department of Fish Genetics and Breeding, TNJFU- Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Sanjay Chandravanshi Department of Fisheries Biology and Resource Management, TNJFU- Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India Samikshya Mishra Fish Nutrition, Biochemistry and Physiology Division, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Sampa Baidya Department of Aquaculture, CAU- College of Fisheries Lembucherra, Tripura, India Jham Lal Department of Aquaculture, CAU- College of Fisheries Lembucherra, Tripura, India Domendra Dhruve Department of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries Science, CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana, India Corresponding Author: Jaiswar Rahul Ramasre Department of Fish Pharmacology and Toxicology, TNJFU-Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Endocrine disrupting chemicals and their harmful effects in fish: A comprehensive review Jaiswar Rahul Ramasre, Narsingh Kashyap, Sanjay Chandravanshi, Samikshya Mishra, Sampa Baidya, Jham Lal and Domendra Dhruve DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i3Sa.677 Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a major hazard to fish populations, with significant implications for aquatic environments and the well-being of humans. This comprehensive review investigates the adverse impacts of EDCs exposure on fish, concentrating on alterations in reproductive. Endocrine systems, intersex development, modifications to gamete efficacy, gonadosomatic index (GSI) variations, and possible consequences for populations of fish. The review synthesizes findings from laboratory and field studies to elucidate the mechanisms through which EDCs disrupt sexual behaviors in fish and discusses the implications for aquatic ecosystems.This review emphasizes the intricate relationship between EDCs and fish reproductive behaviors, underscoring the need for further investigation and legislative initiatives to limit the adverse effects of EDCs on fish reproduction and population structure. Keywords: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, fish, reproduction, intersex development, gamete quality, gonadosomatic index, aquatic ecosystems Introduction Endocrine disruptors pose an insidious threat to aquatic ecosystems around the world, raising significant concern for the health and well-being of fish populations. Fish serve as sentinel species in aquatic environments, providing valuable insights into the impacts of endocrine disruptors (Soffker & Tyler, 2012) [40] . They act as indicators of ecosystem health, while also raising serious concerns about potential consequences for both aquatic biodiversity and human welfare. Endocrine disruptors, a diverse group of synthetic and natural substances, possess the ability to interfere with hormonal signaling pathways in fish, causing an array of physiological and behavioral changes. These disruptions have been linked to adverse effects on fish reproduction, development, and growth, raising concerns about population sustainability and the ecological repercussions within aquatic ecosystems (Delbes et al., 2022) [10] . Fish, being constantly exposed to pollutants present in water, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of EDCs that can enter their bodies through multiple routes such as gills, skin, and diet (Geyer et al., 2000) [16] . Although fish may not possess an inherent susceptibility to EDCs in comparison to other fauna, specific components of their endocrine physiology, including smoltification in salmonids and the determination of sex, may increase their vulnerability to these compounds (Zhou et al., 2019) [35] . Despite the well-documented individual-level impacts of EDCs on fish, demonstrating population-level consequences remains a challenge. However, studies have linked declines in fish populations to EDC exposure, highlighting the potential broader implications of these contaminants on aquatic ecosystems. For instance, roach exposed to treated sewage effluent exhibited reduced reproductive capacity, underscoring the need for further research and regulatory measures to address the effects of EDCs on wild fish populations. Evaluating the spatial spread of endocrine disruption in freshwater fish is crucial for understanding its impact on ecosystems and human health. Access to reliable data concerning the population dynamics of freshwater fish and the repercussions of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on different life history traits is fundamental for conducting thorough ecological risk evaluations and devising International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research 2024; SP-8(3): 05-11