Exposure of the gilthead seabream () to sediments contaminated with heavy metals down-regulates the gene expression of stress biomarkers.

Heavy metals incidence in the aquatic environment and its accumulation in fish are under constant review. Gilthead seabream () specimens were exposed for two weeks to sediments highly concentrated in metals, collected at the Portman Bay (Murcia, Spain). The metals bioaccumulation was tested in liver, muscle and skin.

Pathogen bacteria adhesion to skin mucus of fishes.

Fish are always in intimate contact with their environment; therefore they are permanently exposed to very vary external hazards (e.g. aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, viruses, parasites, pollutants).