Variation in Haematological Constituents of Chrysichthys Nigrodigitatus from Freshwater and Brackishwater

Haematological indices provide suitable means for determining the environmental influences, stress of anthropogenic origin and the health status of an organism. This study evaluates the variation in blood constituents of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus individuals sourced from different growth environments.

The influence of sex, habitats and size on blood constituents of C. nigrodigitatus was studied. Blood samples taken from C. nigrodigitatus individuals collected from freshwater and estuary were analyzed following Baker and Silverton (1988). The results were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics.

The results showed that some of the blood constituents of C. nigrodigitatus were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the fish’s environment, sex and size. Estuary individuals had higher concentrations of red blood cell and leucocytes than their fresh water counterparts. RBC was more in females while leucocytes were more in males. The constituents increase with increase in size. The values of the various constituents is a reflection of the environmental conditions that predominate the various habitats,  this no doubt affect the physiological functions of individuals. Each group has evolved in the various environments, since production results only after physiological needs have been met, significant effort should be made to maintain the integrity of various aquatic environments.