Variability in the haemoglobin concentration in the fresh water fish, notopterus notopterus collected from three aquatic bodies

Fish live in very intimate contact with their environment, and are therefore very susceptible to physical and chemical changes which may be reflected in their blood components. In the present study the haemoglobin, haematocrite and RBC count were measured in the fresh water fish collected from three aquatic bodies. The hematological levels in the fish along with physicochemical parameters from selected different water bodies are compared to understand the influence of physicochemical properties of water on blood haematological (haemoglobin, haematocrete and RBC count) levels. This study provides information on survival, health and physiological condition of the fish. Three types of aquatic bodies were selected are: Bheema river, Kagina river and Saradgi nala (Small stream) near Gulbarga, Karnataka State, The results indicated that the haemoglobin content was higher in the fish from aquatic body Saradgi nala followed by Bheema and Kagina River. Haematocrite is a blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells found in whole blood. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells. The haematocrite percentage was found to be almost same in the fish collected from all the aquatic bodies. The erythrocyte (RBC) count found to be decreased in the fish collected from aquatic body Kagina river, the erythrocyte count in the fish collected from Bheema and Saradgi nala were found to be same. Thus the variation of haematological parameters could be used as biomarker of environmental stress. The comparative studies on physicochemical characteristics of aquatic bodies were made and also compared with blood parameters of the fish, N.notopterus.The age related changes in the haemoglobin concentration (Hb) indicated that as the age increases Hb also increases.