Effect of sex on hematology, morphology and blood cell characteristics of Schizothorax niger

Abstract

Study of hematological parameters, blood cell morphology and its characteristics are considered as essential tools to evaluate the health status of fish species. Among snow trout species, Schizothorax niger contribute a significant proportion to the overall fish production in the region, thus considered as an important food fish species. However, the population of this fish species is declining day by day from the natural habitats due to one or another reason. For understanding the health status of the fish an attempt has been made to establish sex wise base line data on hematological parameters, blood cell morphology and its characteristics. Ninety four healthy specimens of S. niger were randomly selected for this study; 48 adult males with an average body length 32.23 ± 1.79 cm; body weight of 290.0 ± 1.79 g, while 46 adult females with average body length 31.8 ± 0.10 cm and body weight 289.0 ± 0.34 g. The hemoglobin and packed cell volume were determined by using cyanmethemoglobin and microhaematocrit method respectively, while total red blood cell and total white blood cell counts were obtained by Neubauer hemocytometer. The blood cell morphological structures and different cell count were studied by using Wright-Giemsa stained blood smears. Erythrocytes, leucocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes), thrombocytes were distinguished and characterized under light microscopy. The results showed that Hb concentration, total RBC count, Hct value and neutrophils in males were significantly (P 0.05) differences were observed in other hematological parameters and blood cell morphology between male and female S. niger. Hence the data generated in the present study would be useful in monitoring health status of fish.