Haematological and biochemical response of Mugil cephalus after acclimation to captivity

In this study the effect of acclimation to captivity on haematological and biochemical parameters of Mugil cephalus was investigated. A total of fifteen fish (21.93 ± 2.03 cm fork length; 80.28 ± 21.32 g weight) was harvested from a Reservoir-Faro Lake, Messina (Italy). Immediately after capture blood samples was collected on all fish to evaluate haematological parameters, glucose and lactate levels. Then, all animals were transferred in tank and acclimated for a period of 15 days. After this acclimate period, on all fish blood samples were collected and the blood parameter were assessed again. Paired t-test, used to determine significant differences between blood parameters measured before and after acclimation, showed that after acclimation to captivity, there was significant reduction (P < 0.001) in red blood cell (RBC), Haematocrit (Hct), Haemoglobin concentration (Hgb), White Blood Cell Count (WBC). Lactate and total proteins values increased significantly after acclimation (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), while glucose blood concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The results of this study showed how haematological and biochemical parameters of the mullet change after acclimation to captivity.