Effects of combined acid sulfate water and salinity on hematological parameters of saline water striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) at the fingerling stage

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of acid sulfate water at different pH levels in combination with salinity on some physiological parameters of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerling. Fish were randomly arranged into 9 treatments including 3 pH levels (5.5, 6.5, and 7.5) combined with 3 salinity levels (3‰, 6‰, and 9‰). The results showed that after 14 days of the experiment there was no interaction between pH and salinity on the physiological parameters of fish. Regarding the effect of pH, the number of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and hematocrit (Hct) at pH 5.5 were higher than those at pH 6.5 and 7.5, but the significant difference was only shown on day 1 in the number of RBC; 6 hours in Hb; 6 hours in Hct (p<0.05). On day 14, Hb concentration and Hct at the pH 5.5 treatment decreased significantly compared to the pH 7.5 treatment. On the other hand, Hb concentration and hematocrit levels decreased significantly at salinity 9‰ treatment on day 3 and day 7. Number of WBCs increased significantly at salinity 9‰ treatment on 6 hours. In general, pH 5.5 and salinity 9‰ may affect the physiological parameters of striped catfish.