Hematological parameters of the Pacific fat sleeper, Dormitator latifrons (Pisces: Eleotridae), under natural and cultured conditions

Blood reference values are indispensable parameters to monitor the health status of fishes. The objective of this work was to describe the morphology of the blood cells and provide haematological parameters of Dormitator latifrons in relation to sex and sampling site. The samples were collected from two natural sites, Larrea and the La Segua wetland, and from a fish farm. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and basophils were distinguished and characterised. Red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit value (Hcmt), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were not significantly different between males and females (p > 0.05). RBC, Hcmt, Hb, MCV, and neutrophil and monocyte counts were statistically higher in the fish from the La Segua wetland (p < 0.05), while most of these parameters were similar in fish from Larrea and the fish farm (p > 0.05). Significant difference (p < 0.05) in WBC was observed between sampling sites; the fish from natural environments showed higher values than cultured fish. The haematological parameters of D. latifrons vary depending on the site. Baseline information from this study may be a useful tool to monitor the health status of D. latifrons in culture systems.