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+1 o C) was the control while groups B (23+1 o C), C (35+1 o C) and D (41+1 o C) 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+1 o C, 35+1 o C and 41+1 o C, except for haematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin (Hb) and total plasma protein (TPP) values, which were significantly different at 23±1 o C and 41±1 o C relative to the control (29±1 o C). The implication of temperature fluctuation of aquatic ecosystem on flora and fauna is discussed in the text.