Peripheral haematology of Puntius filamentous (Valenciennes) in relation to sex, maturity, standard length and seasons (Pisces : Cyprinidae)

Abstract

Peripheral haematological parameters such as total erythrocyte, leucocyte and thrombocyte counts (TEC, TLC, TTC),haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), RBC/WBC ratio, mean corpuscularvolume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) ofPuntius filamentosus in relation to sex, maturity stages, standard length of the fish and seasons were analysed. The results ofthe present study shows that peripheral haematological make-up is not much affected by the sex of the fish. However, mostof the haematological parameters (TEC, TLC, TTC, Hb and Ht) registered higher mean values in males than in females.Gonad maturity has only little influence on the peripheral haematological make-up. But there was a general tendency fordecrease in the mean values of TEC, TTC, Hb and Ht in fish at maturity stage IV. Simple linear correlation analysis (r)revealed that TTC (p<0.01), Hb and MCH (p<0.05) had significant negative association and Ht (p<0.05) showed significantpositive association with standard length (SL). Majority of haematological variables (TEC, TLC, TTC, Hb , Ht, MCH andMCHC) recorded higher mean values during pre-monsoon (February – May) than during monsoon (June – September) andpostmonsoon (October – January) seasons.