Relationship between blood parameters and biometric indices of Sparus aurata and Dicentrarcus labrax cultured in onshore tanks

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between biometric indices (length and weight) and some blood parameters in 225 Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and 225 European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) cultured in onshore tanks with the same physical–chemical conditions of water (temperature, soluble oxygen and salinity). From each fish, blood samples were collected to evaluate Red Blood Cell Count, Haematocrit, Haemoglobin Concentration, White Blood Cell Count, Thrombocyte Count, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration, glucose, lactate and Total Proteins. In both species, the relationship between the biometric indices and blood parameters was evaluated using linear regression analysis that showed a statistically significant correlation between the biometric indices and seven of the studied parameters. These results showed that fish size is an important factor in the interpretation of haematological and biochemical profiles in order to evaluate correctly the health status of the fish.

Keywords:

• biochemical parameters
• biometric indices
• Dicentrarchus labrax
• haematological profile
• Sparus aurata

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by PON02 [grant number 004513362185] INNOVAQUA-Innovazione Tecnologica a Supporto dell’Incremento della Produttività e della Competitività dell’Acquacoltura Siciliana.