Hematological parameters of cachara Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum during the reproductive period in fish farming

Abstract

For several species such as fish, during the reproductive period, hematological variations may occur. Related to this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological variables of males and females of cachara (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) during their reproductive period in fish farming. During six months, the animals (n =17) were submitted to blood collections once a month, by puncture of the caudal vessel for determination of hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte counts, and differential counting of defense cells. The experimental design used was entirely random, considering as a source of variation the sex factor. P. reticulatum females had significantly higher mean values of hemoglobin and immature leukocytes compared to males, however, males had higher mean values of neutrophils than females. The reproductive period of P. reticulatum may influence the hematological characteristics, with possible differences in the sex dependent response.

Keywords

• carnivorous fish. hematology. sex diferences. siluriformes.