Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

SEASONAL, SEX AND SIZE VARIATION IN SOME BLOOD PARAMETERS OF SNAKEHEAD FISH (PARACHANNA OBSCURA, GUNTHER 1861) IN OSE RIVER, SOUTHWEST - NIGERIA

Odedeyi, D. O.

Samples from a natural population of snakehead fish (Parachanna obscura) from Ose River were used in a 24month study to verify seasonal, sex and size variation in packed cell volume, haemoglobin and total plasma protein. Blood characteristics were better during wet season for both sexes and size - groups. There were no significant difference in blood characteristics between the males and females while the juveniles had better blood characteristics than the adults. Since lower values of blood characteristics were obtained during the dry season, management methods in this season should be improved, aimed at preventing reduction in blood value of P. obscura.

Published Date: 2013-11-22;