Hematological characteristics associated with parasitism in Pikeperch Sander lucioperca (Percidae) from Anzali Wetland.

A total of 120 Sander lucioperca (Percidae) were captured and investigated for parasites and also haematological parameters were analysed and compared between infected and uninfected fish. The haematological analysis showed reductions in haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, whereas with blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte significantly increased (P < 0.05) in infected fish, whereas with blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte significantly increased (P < 0.05) in infected fish. Parasitological inspections revealed the following infestations: Eustrongylides excisus (Nematoda), Dactylogyrus sp. (Platyhelminthes) and Achtheres percarum, Diplostomum spathaceum (Platyhelminthes) and Trichodina sp. (Ciliophora). The prevalence and intensity of the infection with parasites were varied at age groups of host. Significant differences were found for the white blood cell and lymphocyte in relation to parasitism. Parasitism had no influence on studied blood parameters of S. lucioperca in natural conditions.