Reference biochemical values for three cultured Sparid fish: striped sea bream, Lithognathus mormyrus; common dentex, Dentex dentex; and gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to set up reference intervals for biochemical parameters in new candidate species of Mediterranean marine fish culture—striped sea bream, Lithognathus mormyrus and common dentex, Dentex dentex as well as traditionally cultured species—gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata. The reference biochemical values were assessed for plasma cortisol, glucose, Ca, inorganic P, Na, K, Cl, C-reactive protein, hematocrit, and prothrombin time. The biochemical reference values established may allow important physiological decision in adaptation process of striped sea bream and common dentex as well as provide contribution to our present knowledge on gilthead sea bream physiology.