Induction of hypochromic macrocytic anaemia in Oreochromis hybrid (cichlidae) exposed to 100mg/l (sublethal dose) of aluminium

Abstract

The haematology of Oreochromis hybrid locally cultured for human consumption was investigated after exposing the fishes for 8 weeks to a sublethal dose of 100mg/L aluminium. The haematological changes based on the examination of blood variables during the 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of exposures have been reported. The physiological changes brought by the sublethal dose of aluminium in Oreochromis hybrid direct towards a normochromic microcytic anaemia which gradually progresses upon prolonged exposure to a normochromic macrocytic one, eventually becoming hypochromic macrocytic after 8 weeks (long term) exposure. In this instance, these changes have been attributed to the swelling of the red blood cells, haemodilution and impaired haemoglobin synthesis as a result of persistent low haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration recorded.

Keywords: Oreochromis hybrid, fish, anaemia, aluminium, sublethal, haematology.