The effect of acute X‐irradiation on the development of the plaice Pleuronectes platessa L.

Plaice eggs were irradiated with 80 kV peak X‐rays at 5 % of their development from fertilization to hatching. The range of doses used was approximately 30–150 rads and the doses were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters. The percentage hatch of eggs, survival of 3‐week old larvae and survival to metamorphosis were noted. The results show that at one of the most radiosensitive stages of development, the LD50/metamorphosis for plaice is approximately 90 rads. There is a steep response curve where a dose of 30 rads has little effect and where doses above 150 rads kill the majority of the larvae before metamorphosis.