Influence of different salinity on haematological and biochemical parameters of the widely cultured mullet, Mugil cephalus

This study investigates and reports on the effects of salinity levels on haematological and biochemical parameters of the widely cultured mullet, Mugil cephalus. For this purpose, 45 mullet caught in Faro Lake (Italy) were acclimated and fed with commercial diet for 20 days prior to the start of experiments that lasted for 20 days. After acclimation, fish were divided into three equal groups and subjected to 25‰ (Group A), 45‰ (Group B) and 35‰ of salinity (Group C), respectively. Statistical analysis and linear regression showed a significant influence of salinity levels on erythrocyte, haemoglobin, haematocrit, leucocytes and trombocytes and on all biochemical parameters except on osmolarity. These results add to our understanding of the effects of salinity levels on the physiological and biochemical parameters of Mugil cephalus and, in particular, improve our ability to select salinity levels for optimal growth for aquaculture and breeding of this species.