Hemato-biochemical profile of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1816) comparing different growth phases in aquaponic systems

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the haemato-biochemical parameters of tambaqui Colossoma macropomum in different growth phases in an integrated culture with açai Euterpe oleracea. For this, 240 juvenile tambaqui with initial average weight and length of 21.8 ± 7.74 g and 11.28 ± 6.88 cm were cultured in an aquaponic system integrated with açai for 180 days. During the period, 108 healthy tambaquis were sampled and categorized into five distinct growth phases. At each growth phase blood aliquots were collected. The first phase being fish with an average weight of 103.1 ± 5.27 g; second phase with 823.4 ± 42.6 g; third phase with 1087.75 ± 16.38 g; fourth phase with 1402.0 ± 76.6 g and fifth phase with 1815.0±65.1 g. Water quality variables remained within acceptable parameters for both cultures. Erythrocyte was significantly lower in the first and second phase. Haemoglobin was significantly lower in fish in the first phase. Haematocrit remained the same from the second phase onwards. MCV was significantly lower in fish with 1815.0 ± 65.1 g. Plasma glucose levels were significantly lower in the first and second phases. Cholesterol, triglycerides, and total proteins were significantly higher in fish of the fifth phase. AST was significantly lower in fish from the third phase when compared to fish from the first and fifth phases. ALT was significantly higher in fish from the first phase when compared to fish from the third, fourth, and fifth phases. The results are important tools for assessing the health and well-being of tambaqui in future research involving aquaponic cultures.