Blood biochemical reference intervals for sunshine bass (Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis) in three culture systems

To determine and compare biochemical reference intervals for sunshine bass (hybrid striped bass) from 3 culture systems.

Observational comparison study.

Clinically normal sunshine bass (reciprocal hybrid striped bass, female Morone chrysops x male M saxatilis raised in high-density recirculating systems (80 g/L), low-density tanks (5 g/L) with biofilters, and cages (70 g/L) in a fresh water pond.

Biochemical 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 various culture systems. Though most of the differences in reference intervals were minor, fish in the high-density recirculating system had higher concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, and phosphorus, and lower chloride values. There were no significant differences in glucose concentrations among the 3 groups of fish, and no differences in cortisol concentrations between fish in tanks and cages.

Separate reference intervals should be developed for hybrid striped bass in different culture systems.

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