Blood chemistry values of juvenile red pacu (Piaractus brachypomus).

Blood samples were collected from 29 juvenile red pacu (Piaractus brachypomus), ornamental freshwater fish, to establish baseline blood chemistry values. Mean (minimum-maximum) values, obtained by automated bichromatic analysis and ion selective electrode analysis, were as follows: sodium, 150.4 (146-159) mmol/L; potassium, 3.93 (2.7-5.0) mmol/L; chloride, 138.7 (128-150) mmol/L; total CO2, 7.5 (6-10) mmol/L; albumin, 0.86 (0.5-1.0) g/dL; lactate dehydrogenase, 237.8 (65-692) IU/L; aspartate aminotransferase, 49.1 (0-125) IU/L; creatinine, 0.31 (0.2-0.4) mg/dL; calcium, 10.80 (9.5-12.5) mg/dL; anion gap, 6.89 (1.2-12.5) mmol/L; and phosphorus, 7.29 (4.1-8.9) mg/dL.