Some observations on the stained blood cellular elements of channel catfish, <i>Ictalurus punctatus</i>

Slides were prepared from blood of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus , and evaluated. The cellular blood elements observed were thrombocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, granular anucleate bodies, erythrocytes. In channel catfish, thrombocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils were the predominate leucocytes. Erythrocytes were observed in various stages of development. Smudge cells were observed in all smear preparations. The variations found between the observations in this study and information provided in the literature suggest the need for establishing a standardized terminology.