Gross and histological characteristics of Belontia hasselti acquired from the peat swamp forest of north Selangor, Malaysia

Hodzori, Muhammad Faiz (2020) Gross and histological characteristics of Belontia hasselti acquired from the peat swamp forest of north Selangor, Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Naturally acidic freshwater fishes can be found worldwide, yet there are limited reports regarding these species. Peat swamp forest is characterized by low pH as well as nutrient and dissolved oxygen content. North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPF) is the largest peat swamp forest in Peninsular Malaysia. Belontia hasselti or locally known as Kepar, is a gourami native species in Southeast Asia and was identified as one from the 47 species of blackwater fish naturally living in acidic (pH 3.24) freshwater environment of NSPF. This study aimed mainly to provide the first data on the histological finding for better understanding of Belontia hasselti especially of those wild caught fishes living in acidic environment of NSPF. A total of 10 fishes (6 males and 4 females) were caught from the NSPF using fishing method. Visual appraisal on each fish was done and the length and weight of the fishes were recorded. The fishes were then sacrificed by pithing method and the gills, skin, muscle, liver and kidneys were sampled on-site. Results revealed that the length of the fishes ranged from 9-14.5 cm and the weight ranged between 12-43 g. The fishes were divided into Group A (<12.3 cm) and Group B (>12.3 cm). Results revealed that the relative length of primary lamellae and muscle density were significantly different (p<0.05) between two groups while relative length of secondary lamellae and the diameter of the renal tubules of both groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). Histopathological scoring for parameters such as hyperaemia, necrosis, hyperplasia and inflammation for the gills, kidney and liver showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Grossly, no abnormal finding was noted in all the fishes, but histologically, the fishes possess special features in the gills. The gills display a structure, which consists of smooth muscle and thick epithelial layer between each primary. Additionally, hyperplasia and necrosis were mild and not detrimental to the fishes. In conclusion, the fishes possess special structures in the gills and exhibited only mild pathological changes in the studied organs, which suggest the fishes are able to adapt well in the acidic environment.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Nurhaznita Mahmood
Date Deposited:	23 Oct 2023 07:04
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2023 07:04
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1511

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