Blood Biochemistry of the Oyster Toadfish

Abstract

Abstract Blood biochemistry parameters were examined in the oyster toadfish Opsanus tau from the late spring through early fall for two consecutive seasons to establish baseline values and evaluate whether any of the parameters could be used as predictors of disease and mortality in this important experimental organism. The blood plasma was analyzed for alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, creatine, bilirubin, total protein, and glucose. Elevated levels of BUN (28.5 ± 4.1 mg/ dL) and depressed levels of cholesterol (83.0 ± 6.3 mg/ dL) were strongly correlated with disease and subsequent death in the oyster toadfish population and thus may serve as useful indices by which to exclude fish from experimental studies.