Study of some haemotological parameters in Schizothorax niger (Heckel: 1838) in relation to water quality from a shallow Himalayan lake Anchar in Kashmir, India

Fish haemotology has acquired a highly useful status in fishery management, fish physio-biochemistry and physio- pathology. The fish haemotology offers one of the reliable methodologies to diagnose the status of fish health. The present study was undertaken to assess the influence of water quality of Anchar lake on the haematological profile of Schizothorax niger Heckel (1838). Various physico-chemical parameters of the lake were measured and blood samples of fish were taken to measure haematological indices including Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Total Leucocytes Count (TLC), Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC), Hematocrit (Hct), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). These parameters were studied on monthly basis for a period of six months from different sites of the lake. Results depicted a significant decrease in Hb content, TEC, PCV, MCHC whereas a significant increase in TLC and ESR was observed. A change in the size and structure of the erythrocytes was also seen due to the stress caused by environmental pollution. Considering the results obtained from the study, it can be concluded that the changes in blood parameters of fish may be used as a physiological indicators to environmental pollution.