A Characterization And Enumeration Of Blood Cells In The Cutthroat Trout (Salmo clarki)

Abstract

Morphological characteristics of blood cells in the cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki) were explored. Such factors as mass, length, and sex were checked for relative occurrence of blood cells. Results indicate there is no correlation between mass and the number of erythrocytes or length and the number of erythrocytes. There may be a correlation between sex and the number of erythrocytes. In addition, the number of cells present of each type was determined. Lymphocytes were found to be more numerous than any other non-red blood cell. The lymphocytes are of two types—large and small. Other non-red blood cells observed include neutrophils, monocytes, and blast cells. Cutthroat also possess immature erythrocytes known as polychromatocytes. Several techniques used in fish hematology are discussed.