The Atlantic coastal zone constitutes an important nursery for the juveniles of the common sole (Solea solea, Linnaeus on 1758). To assess the effect of anthropisation on the survival of the juveniles of common sole, the effects of the hypoxia and\or Polychlorinated Biphenyles (PCBs) on their physiological performances (aerobic metabolism and cardiac performances) were assessed as well as their antipredator behaviour. For that purpose, the study was carried out at two levels of biological organization, the organ and the individual. Sole contamination with PCB (670 ng and 2239 ng PCB g-1 of food), was made experimentally via the trophic pathway, during 30 and 60 days. Our results suggest that PCBs slightly affected the aerobic metabolism. An increase of the standard metabolic rate participate to raise the level of critical oxygen concentration (CritO2) in soles exposed to long term to the highest concentration of PCB was noted. In the same way, the cardiac performances seem to be slightly affected by PCB-contamination. A decrease in the peak tension was noted in PCB-contaminated soles forced to an intense activity. In addition it was noted an increase in the participation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the force of contraction in the hearts of soles contaminated compared with hearts of control soles. The results obtained with regard to the simulation of the attack of a predator showed that responsiveness was lower in hypoxia compared with normoxia associated with a decrease of their cryptic capacity. In general, even if the PCB seems to have slight effects on the tested physiological performances, it cannot be excluded that long term exposure to PCBs can compromise the development and the survival of the juveniles of common sole, independently of their association with limiting environmental conditions such as hypoxia.
