Transcriptome reveals overview of Ca2+ dose-dependent metabolism disorders in zebrafish larvae after Cd2+ exposure

•Toxic effects of Cd2+ under variable Ca2+ levels were studied in zebrafish.•Larvae, as an in vivo model, was set for transcriptomic analysis after exposure.•Transcriptome revealed overall metabolic responses of whole body to Cd2+ stress.•Negative correlations between metabolism disorders and Ca2+ levels was observed.•Cd2+ disrupted lipid metabolism by interfering utilization and synthesis pathway.