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¹ Grupo de Investigación en Organismos Acuáticos Nativos y Exóticos. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Cl. 62
² ISAGEN S.A. E.S.P, Tv. Inferior
³ Instituto de Investigaciones Piscícolas (CINPIC), Universidad de Córdoba, Carrera 6 No. 76-103, Montería – Colombia DOI : 10.4194/TRJFAS28013 Viewed : 47 - Downloaded : 59 Heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), threatens aquatic ecosystems in Colombia. This study evaluated the acute effects of Cd, Pb, and their combinations on sperm quality of the vulnerable endemic species Prochilodus magdalenae. Treatments included three Cd doses (0.2, 0.8, 1.4 μg/kg), three Pb doses (2.0, 8.0, 14.0 μg/kg), five Cd+Pb combinations, and a control group (0.9% saline), administered via intramuscular injection. Sperm kinematic parameters, angularity indexes, and head oscillation were assessed 72 hours post-exposure using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Combined treatments significantly reduced motility; notably, the 0.2+8.0 μg Cd+Pb/kg group showed 78.1% motile sperm compared to 99.3% in controls. Reductions in sperm velocities (VCL, VSL) and alterations in lateral head amplitude (ALH) indicated cellular damage compromising sperm kinematics. Even low and moderate mixtures induced significant changes, suggesting additive or synergistic toxicity. Canonical discriminant analysis separated exposed groups from controls, confirming the sensitivity of sperm quality as a biomarker. Pb had a stronger individual impact on motility and movement duration, while Cd primarily affected velocity. The DP3 combination (0.8 μg Cd/kg + 14.0 μg Pb/kg) caused the most severe impairment across all variables. Short-term exposure to environmentally relevant Cd and Pb concentrations may seriously compromise sperm quality and, therefore, fertilizing capacity in Prochilodus magdalenae males. Keywords : Pollution Spermatozoa Heavy metals Rheophilic fish Prochilodontidae Semen Toxicity