SEASONAL-VARIATION IN HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN MALE AND FEMALE TINCA-TINCA

This study was designed to investigate any seasonal(spring, summer, au tumn and winter) changes in haematological parameters in the blood of Tinca tinca measuring the number of red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit , white blood cells, and total plasma proteins. The results show signi ficant changes in RBC and haematocrit in males comparing spring and su mmer with autumn and winter, whereas in females the RBC remained const ant for all 4 seasons but the haematocrit decreased in autumn and wint er compared to spring and summer. The white blood cells of male and fe male animals were significantly lower in spring and winter compared to summer and autumn. In male fish total protein contents significantly decreased in autumn and winter compared to spring and summer, whereas in females protein output significantly decreased in winter compared t o the other seasons. The results indicate marked seasonal variation in the blood of male and female Tinca tinca. This variation may play a i mportant protective role for the survival of the animals.