Comparison of hematologic reference intervals between culture system and type of hybrid striped bass

To determine and compare hematologic reference intervals for hybrid striped bass from different culture systems and for 2 types of hybrid.

Observational comparison study.

Clinically normal sunshine bass (reciprocal hybrid striped bass, female Morone chrysops X male M saxatilis) raised in high-density recirculating systems, sunshine bass raised in tanks with biofilters, and palmetto bass (original hybrid striped bass, female M saxatilis X male M chrysops) raised in tanks with biofilters.

Hematologic reference intervals were determined for fish from the different production systems, following the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines. Reference intervals from the 3 groups were compared.

Reference intervals were significantly different between sunshine bass in the 2 culture systems and between sunshine and palmetto bass. Many of the differences were slight, but notable differences were observed. Sunshine bass in recirculating systems had higher total leukocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts than did either hybrid in tanks. Palmetto bass had a greater number of neutrophils than monocytes, whereas sunshine bass had more monocytes than neutrophils. Additionally, palmetto bass had a lower PCV and hemoglobin value than did either group of sunshine bass.

Separate reference intervals should be developed for hybrid striped bass in different culture systems and for different types of hybrids.

Determining reference intervals for hybrid striped bass provides a tool to assess the health status of these fish.