The effect of starvation on liver biochemical and non-specific immune parameters in grunter, Terapon jarbua Forsskal, 1775 fingerlings.

Different fish species tolerate starvation periods using distinct strategies of activating adaptive biochemical and physiological mechanisms that enable them to cope with the adverse condition. The present study was investigated the effect of starvation on liver biochemical and non-specific immune parameters in grunters (Terapon jarbua) fingerlings. In this study, 180 larvae of Terapon jarbua studied with mean length 4.46± 0.21 cm and weight 1.98± 0.30 g that included fed and starved groups each with three replicates (30 fish per replicate) in a 60 liter plastic tanks. Biochemical composition of liver and fish were performed at 0 and once a week until week of food deprivation. The results showed that triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in starved group than in fed group from week 2 onwards (p<0.05). In starved group, total protein and glycogen concentrations significantly decreased from week 1 onwards (p<0.05). Moreover, lysozyme concentrations were significantly higher in starved group from 3 week onwards (p<0.05). The present results indicate that grunters can tolerant 1 month starvation period and use lipid and glycogen as energy sources during starvation.