THE HAEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS TO CHANGES IN ACCLIMATION TEMPERATURE

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