Blood cells and differential leucocyte counts of the mullet Mugil platanus, Gunther, 1880 (Osteichthyes, Mugilidae) from Cananéia í SP lagoon-estuarine region (Lat. 25º00’S í Long. 47º55’W)

Abstract

For the present work, 344 specimens of the mullet Mugil platanus Günther, 1880 were captured in the lagoon-estuarine region of Cananeia, SP (Lat. 25°00' S - Long. 47°55' W). From each specimen, total weight and total length were determined. Blood smears, stained with Leishman, were used for differential leucocyte counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and "other cells"). Sex and gonadal maturation (no differentiated, juvenile, resting, maturing, mature, and spent) were determined through macroscopic examination of the gonads. The means of each leucocyte frequency were analyzed by sex and gonadal maturation. The lymphocytes were the most frequent cells in the peripheral blood of Mugil platanus. For the leucocytes no difference was detected between females and males, nor in the different stages of gonadal development.