Select Hematological Values of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Raised in a Water Recirculating Aquaculture System

Clinical evaluation of blood parameters is routinely used to assess the health of wild and domestic animals. The commercial catfish industry in Nigeria has undergone rapid expansion in recent years. An understanding of normal hematology values for healthy fish and the identification of predictors of the onset of health problems may enable fish health specialists to intervene before major losses occur. This paper reports values for selected hematological parameters of normal healthy African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (n=120) raised in a recirculating aquaculture water recirculation system, including hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), thrombocyte count, and leukocyte differential (lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes). Significant differences (p< 0.05) were observed between males and females in the values of Hb, PCV, and thrombocytes. This work provides hematological baselines for selected values for Clarias gariepinus in recirculation systems, and is intended to enhance production performance through early detection and identification of infectious diseases.