CuCl2 exposure reduced swimming speed and food intake in the crucian carp.
Scototaxis test pointed to an anxiety-like behavior in fish exposed to CuCl2.
CuCl2 exposure accounted for Hsp90 and HIF-1α transcript variations in fish brain.
Motor activities and food intake were rescued after recovery from 0.30 mg/L CuCl2.
Behavioral and Hsp90/HIF-1α recoveries coincided with reduced neurodegeneration.