Hematological parameters of native fish species of the Tocantins river, Auchenipterus nuchalis, Psectrogaster amazônica and Squaliforma emarginata (Teleostei, Ostariophysi) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i2.1024

Abstract

This study evaluated the hematological characteristics and erythrocyte morphometry in Auchenipterus nuchalis, Psectrogaster amazonica and Squaliforma emarginata captured in Tocantins river. The samples were taken in the Tocantins river, where blood was collected by puncturing the caudal vein of the animals. The complete hemogram and morphometry of the erythrocytes were determined. Auchenipterus nuchalis (n = 15) showed the largest number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit, followed by P. amazonica (n = 26) and S. emarginata (n = 26). Squaliforma emarginata showed the largest erythrocytes and the smallest number of circulating cells. Squaliforma emarginata also showed the highest number of circulating blast cells (orthochromatic and polychromatophil erythrocytes) in the peripheral blood. These differences can be attributed to respiratory adaptations of a behavioral or physiological nature related to the environment. The highest percentage of lymphocytes was observed in P. amazonica, and of monocytes and neutrophils in A. nuchalis. The variation among the species in the percentages of leucocytes can also be attributed to the niche occupied, favored by exposure to different microorganisms.