Assessment of the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of three commercially important freshwater fishes in river Cauvery Velur, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Haematological parameters have been recognized as valuable tools for monitoring fish health. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were studied and compared with different feeding behaviour of freshwater fishes. Three freshwater fishes, Ctenopharyngodon Idella (herbivore), Cyprinus Carpio (omnivore) and Pygocentrus nattereri (carnivore) were carried out in order to find out a normal range of blood parameters which would serve as baseline data for assessment of the health status of the fish as well as a reference point for future comparative surveys. Blood parameters such as Red Blood Cell count (RBCs) and White Blood Cell count (WBCs), RBC/WBC ratio, Haemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Hct), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Serum Glucose, Serum Protein and Serum Cholesterol were estimated from freshwater fishes of same trophic level. Statistical analysis confirmed the differences in hematological parameters between all the species were significant at p<0.01 level. The RBC / WBC ratio was more due to the decreased level of WBC during the study period. These differences can be attributed to the physiological acclimatization of the fish to their living condition and feeding regime, which influences the energy metabolism and consequently, the health of the fish. Blood serum biochemical parameters can be used for confirming the maturity and monitoring any changes in the quality of water and related soil environment.