HEMATOLOGIC AND PLASMA BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE VALUES FOR CAPTIVE LEOPARD SHARKS (TRIAKIS SEMIFASCIATA)

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Comparative Physiology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) are popular in public aquariums.
• Established blood reference values are essential for assessing the health of captive elasmobranchs.
• No prior reference values existed for this species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize blood reference values for captive leopard sharks.
• To provide essential data for improved veterinary diagnostics and care.
• To establish a baseline for future physiological studies.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed blood samples from 21 captive leopard sharks.
• Collected blood during routine annual health examinations.
• Measured hematocrit and plasma biochemistry values using standard laboratory analysis.

Main Results:

• Established minimum-maximum ranges for hematocrit, glucose, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), liver enzymes (AST), muscle enzymes (CK), minerals (calcium, phosphorus), total protein, and total CO2.
• Identified specific ranges for key blood parameters in T. semifasciata.
• Provided comprehensive hematological and biochemical data.

Conclusions:

• The established blood reference values enhance understanding of captive leopard shark physiology.
• These data are vital for improving the veterinary care and health monitoring of leopard sharks in aquariums.
• Further research should validate diagnostic tools for broader application in elasmobranch medicine.