Assessment of Fish Health: Seasonal Variations in Blood Parameters of the Widely Spread Mediterranean Scorpaenid Species, Scorpaena porcus

Abstract

The measurement of haematological and biochemical parameters is essential for monitoring the health status of wild fish. More specifically, blood parameters provide crucial information on the physiological changes that occur in fish in response to various fluctuations in their environment. This study presents reference ranges and seasonal variations for 15 blood parameters of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, as a species of high value for ecosystem monitoring in the Mediterranean. The mean haematocrit (HCT) values differed significantly between seasons, with the highest value recorded in winter. In addition, six plasma parameters varied significantly during the year. Cholesterol (CHOL), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations were notably higher during the spring/summer period and at their lowest levels in autumn/winter. On the contrary, levels of glucose (GLU) were highest during autumn and lowest during the spring season. The post hoc Tukey test revealed that there were significant differences in HCT values for winter vs. spring, in CHOL for spring vs. all other seasons, in NEFA for summer vs. autumn and summer vs. spring, in GLU for spring vs. summer, in AST for autumn vs. spring, in ALP for winter vs. all other seasons and in SOD for summer vs. all other seasons (p < 0.05 in all cases). A total of nine blood parameters showed a significant relationship with fish size throughout different seasons. Our results suggest that monitoring blood parameters may serve as a useful biomarker, and we provide a reliable basis for the future monitoring of the health status of the investigated S. porcus. Considering significant seasonal variations, the use of season-specific reference ranges is recommended for this scorpaenid species.

Comparison of Artificial Feed and Natural Food by the Growth and Blood Biochemistry in Chinese Sturgeon Acipenser sinensis

“…Roychowdhury et al (2020) also observed increasing levels of ALT and AST activities caused confirming disturbance in hepatic panel [38]. Observed AST and ALP concentrations were notably higher during the spring/summer period and at their lowest levels in autumn/winter in black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) [39]. In the present study, ALT activity of Chinese sturgeon in formulated diet group was significantly higher than that of natural food group.…”

Special Issue on Aquatic Animal Health in Vulnerable Environments

“…The authors assessed intraspecific variations of black scorpionfish, reflecting their adaptations to various environmental conditions, and they also estimated the geographical scale at which local black scorpionfish could be managed. The health status of such, as well as of farmed fish, is reflected in their tissues' biochemical and haematological parameters, as described by Ferri et al [5], who established season-specific reference ranges for black scorpionfish. Seasonally induced temperature changes, particularly in shallow seas, also affect physiology, stress responses, and survival of mollusk species [6], as low winter temperatures contribute to a decline in enzymatic antioxidant defense, particularly in Mediterranean scallop tissues.…”

Effect of Seasonal Variations in Hematology, Biochemical, Immunity Constituents in Mugil cephalus, Chano chanos, and Arius arius on Southeast Coast of Tamil Nadu, India

“…In particular, this study provides a reference statement for health and immunity indications. The measured values directly influence the seasons in the commercial areas [17]. The number of reports carried out to provide the ecological changes and blood parameters of the species.…”