Hematological parameters in shortnose guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris Müller and Henle, 1841 (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatidae)

Objective. In view of the deficiency of information in the area of clinical pathology of elasmobranchs, mainly of the physiological parameters, the aim of this work was to study hematological parameters of the Zapteryx brevirostris species. Materials and methods. Four specimens apparently healthy of Zapteryx brevirostris ; three females and a male were used. These animals are all pertaining ones to the Aquarium of Ubatuba, São Paulo (Brazil). Results. The obtained average of hematological values for the Zapteryx brevirostris were: Red Blood Cells were - 0.96 x 106/?L, Packed Cell Volume - 24.3% and White Blood Cells - 36.8 x 103/?L. Conclusion. Although the small N, which decreases the accuracy, this research has scientific value because the situation of vulnerability of Zapteryx brevirostris , suggesting other studies.