Question about copper and livers

[kris walker]

Hi everyone,
As I have read, copper has been found to be detrimental to the livers of fish. I am curious as to how this information came about, and by saying this, I am not challenging the fact, I am just trying to better understand the way science in this hobby progresses.
So how did people find out that copper damages livers of fish? Is it based on something like having two tanks, one with copper, one without, putting a test fish in each one for 20 days, then euthinizing (sp?) it and doing an autopsy to look at the liver tissue under a microscope?
Thanks in advance,
sam

 

[beth]

Autopsies. Actually, the procedures for studying fish diseases is not all that much different from what medical scientist do to study humans. If you ever pick up a book on fish diseases you will see what I mean!
[But warning, look at such a book before lunch!]

 

[kris walker]

Thanks Beth. I'll be sure to eat afterwards!
sam

 

[kris walker]

Hey Terry, thanks for the additional info. That is really interesting stuff.
Cheers,
sam