The haematological response of Clarias Gariepinus to changes in acclimation temperature

Abstract

The effect of different acclimation temperatures on physiological parameters of Clarias gariepinus over a period of eight weeks was assessed. Thirty-two fishes weighing approximately 400.0+5.0g were divided into four groups (A-D) of eight fish each, based on the water temperature to which they were subjected: Group A (29+1oC) was the control while groups B (23+1oC), C (35+1oC) and D (41+1oC)
were the test groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters were
considered after eight weeks. The result showed that there was no significant difference (at p<0.05) in the values at 23+1oC, 35+1oC and 41+1oC, except for haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin (Hb) and total plasma protein (TPP) values, which were significantly different at 23±1oC and 41±1oC relative to the control (29±1oC). The implication of temperature fluctuation of aquatic ecosystem on flora and fauna is discussed in the text.