Hematological Comparisons of Endothermic vs Ectothermic Elasmobranch Fishes
Emery S. 1986. Hematological Comparisons of Endothermic vs Ectothermic Elasmobranch Fishes. Copeia. 1986(3):700-705
Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the endothermic great white shark, Atlantic shortfin mako and common thresher shark are significantly greater than the values found in ectothermic blue sharks, sandbar sharks, dusky sharks, tiger sharks and scalloped hammerhead sharks. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in the former three species equal or exceed reported values for a large number of birds and mammals. Unlike hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, mean corpuscle hemoglobin concentrations, mean erythrocyte size and relative percentages of erythrocyte types in the circulating blood exhibit no correlations with the endothermic vs ectothermic condition in those elasmobranch species examined. Results indicate that the great white, Atlantic shortfin mako and common thresher possess the hematological capabilities to supply oxygen to the body tissues in amounts sufficient to maintain a high energy, endothermic physiology.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Emery, SH
- Units
- FIIS
- Keywords
- Biology, elasmobranchs, hematology, Long Island, Physiology