A Comparative study of hematological and blood chemistry of Indianand Italian Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus Linneaus 1758)

Background: Blood hematological and serum biochemistry parameters are often used to assess the health status and as stress indicators in fishes. In the present study was undertaken to comparative study of hematological and blood chemistry of Indian and Italian Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) to establish baseline values. Fifteen sexually immature and disease-free Indian wild fish (26.25 ± 0.23 cm total length, 347.55±14.27 g weight) and 15 Italian fish (31.53 ± 1.08 cm total length, 416.5 ± 14.56 g weight) were examined. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that differences in hematological and biochemical parameters between two region mullet fish were significant (P<0.01). The RBC/ WBC level increased due to the decrease in WBC during the comparative study. Conclusions: The study showed that the environmental conditions significantly impacted the status of the fish. It is suggested that these physiological parameters can be conveniently employed as health monitoring tools in fish culture practices. Biochemical parameters also are indicative of the habits of fishes, and can be used for confirming the maturity and monitoring any changes in the quality of waters.