Shrimp could be becoming hooked on antidepressants

It sounds a tad fishy but shrimps are becoming hooked on Prozac, scientists believe.

They fear the ‘happy pills’ are tinkering with the creatures’ brain chemistry, making them more vulnerable to being eaten by other fish and birds.

The Portsmouth University researchers looked at the effect of the anti-depressant fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, on the behaviour of shrimps.

The shrimps are widely found in British coastal waters, close to treatment plants where the water may be contaminated with Prozac.

The researchers found that the crustaceans, which are usually happiest when hiding under rocks or clumps of seaweed, were drawn out into the open.

It is thought that just as in people, Prozac is altering levels of the brain chemical serotonin.

But, while in people this lifts mood, in shrimps, it draws them towards light – and into harm’s way.

Marine zoologist Alex Ford said: ‘Crustaceans are crucial to the food chain and if shrimps’ natural behaviour is changed because of anti-depressant levels in the sea this could seriously affect the natural balance of the eco-system.’

Other fish are also likely to be at risk from anti-depressants, with more than 26million prescriptions written out each year in England and Wales alone.

Dr Ford […]