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Interspecific variations in biochemical parameters of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822): A comparative study

Khushbu Kumari, Gajendra K. Azad & Gyanendra B. Chand*
P.G. Department of Zoology,Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Received : 08th December, 2019 ; Revised : 25th January, 2020

Abstract: Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) commonly called as ‘Magur’ is Indian native (endogenous) species has similar morphological features as Clarias gariepinus (Burchell,1822), which is deadly carnivorous exotic African species introduced to India through various trade means. The indigenous species C. batrachus is highly preferred by Indian and other Asiatic consumers because of its high content of arginine and lysine in its flesh and medicinal value. The exotic species C. gariepinus
has undergone tremendous adaptation to the Indian physicochemical condition resulting in mass substitution of the native species C. batrachus from the Indian fish market. The aim of the present study was to investigate and establish reference ranges by comparing biochemical values of two fresh water air breathing species of family Clariidae i.e. C. batrachus and C. gariepinus from the state Bihar. The study was aimed to investigate serum biochemical parameters like Liver Function Test (LFT) including Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), serum bilirubin, and Kidney Function Test (KFT) including serum Total Protein (TP), albumen, globulin, A/G ratio and serum creatinine and blood urea etc. The mean ± SEM and range were established. In the present study, the estimated biochemical values were compared between and within the two species of cat fish using OneWay Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Nearly all most all parameters differ significantly (p<0.05) between C. batrachus and C. gariepinus. The present study will lead to the proper characterization of LFT and KFT parameters of these two closely
allied species of family Clariidae and later on can be used as a sensitive index to monitor various physiological and pathological changes in fish due to xenobiotic stress. It will also help in indicating the health status of the fish and pollution status of the aquatic bodies. Further studies are needed to trace the genetic basis of the significant variation in the biochemical parameters of these two closely allied fresh water air breathing species.

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