Pollution Research Paper

HAEMATOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES IN AN EXOTIC CARP, HYPOPHTHALMICHTHYS MOLITRIX, INFESTED BY A FISH LOUSE, ARGULUS SP.

HAIDAR ALI, K. K. ANSARI AND SADGURU PRAKASH

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the impact of the parasitic infestation with Argulus sp. (Crustacea, Argulids) on the haematological parameters of silver carp, H. molitrix. Fifty test fishes (Silver carps) with average body weight of 504.3 ± 4.5 g were subjected to haematological investigations. The haematological analysis showed significant reduction in RBC counts, Hb.%, PCV, MCV and lymphocytes, while TLC, MCHC, ESR, Neutrophils, Basophils, Monocytes and blood glucose level were significantly increased in the infested silver carp. This study concluded that Argulus sp. causes physiological dysfunctions on the infested fish by showing several alterations in haematological parameters that may often cause anaemia through reduction in RBC counts, haemoglobin value and packed cell volume.