Pathological and physiological effects of stress during capture and transport in the juvenile dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus

Abstract

1. 1. Blood parameter changes caused by the stress of capture and simulated transport were studied in the juvenile dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus. 2. 2. Plasma concentrations of potassium, calcium and magnesium ions, creatinine kinase, blood lactate and glucose levels and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide were elevated during stress. 3. 3. The plasma bicarbonate ion concentration and blood pH declined. 4. 4. The acidosis was evident from the onset of stress, minutes before blood lactate levels rose. 5. 5. The sharks required a recovery period of approx 24 hr before most of the parameters had regained their prestress blood levels.