The haemocytology and histology of the haemopoietic organs of South African freshwater fish. II. Erythrocytes and thrombocytes of Clarias gariepinus and Sarotherodon mossambicus

Abstract

This paper describes the light-microscopic appearance of both the erythrocytes and the thrombocytes and their developmental stages of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Mozambique bream (Sarotherodon mossambicus). Apart from some minor differences in the shape and staining affinities of the polychromatophilic erythrocytes, the erythrocytic series is similar in catfish and bream. The thrombocytes and the reactive stages of thrombocytes of both species are similar to those of birds. A possible mechanism of erythro- and thrombopoiesis is postulated.