Haemato-biochemical variations in estuarine crabs from a lagoon ecosystem

Abstract

Haematological profiles are often applied as an index of physiological condition of various organisms and thus provide information about the health status of local populations. The haematological and biochemical parameters of the estuarine crabs, Callinectes amnicola, Goniopsis pelii, Sersama huzardii and Uca tangerii from the polluted creek of Lagos Lagoon were examined using standard methods. C. amnicola (121.7±0.21) were significantly heavier than G. pelli (24±2.11 g), S. huzardii (16.15±15.19 g) and U. tangeri (8.8±0.5 g). Mean haematological values of the crabs revealed significant variations in total haemocyte count (THC), haemocyte sedimentation rate (HSR) and haemocyte subpopulation. THC in the circulating haemocytes of the crabs was similar for both G. pelli (2150±56.69 mL) and S. huzardii (1975.00±74.46 mL). HSR was lowest in G. pelli (1.50±0.71 mm/hr) and highest in U. tangeri (5.70±0.82 mm/hr). Haemocyte sub-population variables showed that eosinophil and basophil did not differ considerably among the crabs. Significant differences were however recorded for granulocyte, agranulocyte and monocyte with G. pelli having the highest sub-population of granulocyte (33.00±1.41 %) but lowest agranulocyte (67.00±1.41 %). Non-significantly higher sub-population of monocytes was recorded for C. amnicola (3.3±0.03). In the mean values of the serum biochemicals, U. tangeri showed lowest values for all except aspartate aminotransferase (22.8 U/L) and Urea (32.48 mg/dl). G. pelli showed highest values for serum protein (14.36mg/dl), Globulin (67.49 mg/dl) and phosphatase alkaline phosphatase (34.50 U/L). The study gave an indication of stress on the health status of the estuarine crabs, hence the need for periodic monitoring of the ecosystem.

Keywords: Haematology, serum biochemistry, crab, Lagos Lagoon