Alterations in hematological and biometric parameters of Clarias batrachus (Linn, 1758) following short-term starvation

The present study is carried out to analyze the effect of short-term starvation on biological condition indices, hematological and biometric parameters of Clarias batrachus. Two groups of test fish, Clarias batrachus were subjected to different treatments: Group A (control) fishes were then fed three times a day until apparent satiety for 14 days; Group B (experimental) fishes were starved for 14 days. A significant rise in WBC (7.16%) with substantial reduction in hematocrit (11.97 %), haemoglobin (37.04 %), RBC (35.51%), glucose (19.15%), protein (23.65%) and cholesterol (43.12%) were assessed in the blood of starved fish for 14 days, while triglyceride level decreased (14.79%) in fish starved for 7 days, subsequently returning to values almost similar to control by the end of the trial i.e. 14 days. A significant decrease in liver protein (36.08%), total lipid (17.96%) and glycogen (75.0%) contents, while in muscles, the protein, total lipid, and glycogen contents also reduced up to 39.70%, 28.60% and 65.90% respectively, after 14 days in starved fish. These hematological and biometric parameters seem to have potential as a predictive tool for establishing the nutritional status or physiological condition during short-term starvation of Clarias batrachus, which may be useful to manage and monitor feeding practices during culture of this species.