Studies on the Blood Morphology of Three Estuarine Cyprinodontiform Fishes

Abstract

Specimens of Fundulus heteroditus, Fundulus majalis, and Cyprinodon variegatus were bled in the field at the site of capture. Blood was obtained during all seasons and in the laboratory at intervals over a 30-day period from specimens held in two types of holding aquaria. The circulating blood elements of these three estuarine species consist of erythrocytes, small and medium lymphocytes, eosinophils, and thrombocytes. The observations were made using both stained and fresh blood preparations.Variations occurred seasonally in the morphology of erythrocytes, eosinophils, and thrombocytes. Cytoplasmic inclusions were visible in erythrocytes prior to, and at the beginning of, the new breeding season. There were changes in the refringent properties of thrombocytic and eosinophilic granules, and cyclic variations in the number of eosinophilic granules. Seasonal variations occurred in the ratio of immature to mature thrombocytes, but there was little overall variation in the ratios of leucocytic cell types. The thrombocytes were characterized by thrombocytic granulation and nuclear indentations. Thrombocytes were capable of altering their form; mature cells formed thrombocytic networks.The concentration of eosinophils gradually increased to 18% above the usual level in Fundulus heteroditus held 30 days in 20-liter circular aquaria. The eosinophil level remained at the usual 2% in specimens held in 189-liter aquaria for the same time period. Values for specimens captured in a natural environment were also 2%. It is therefore plausible to relate the rise in eosinophils with an environmental stress associated with the circular holding containers.