Physio chemical profiling of hemolymph of mangrove horseshoe crab ( Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda ): i nsights into the blue blood ’s unique properties

Abstract

Two horseshoe crab (HSC) species, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Tachypleus gigas , found in Bangladesh, are valuable for their ecological roles and medical potential. The sole HSC species that thrives in muddy brackish water and is commonly found in Bangladesh is C. rotundicauda . This study focused on analyzing hematological parameters to establish reference intervals (RIs) and assess the difference between wild and captive reared C . rotundicauda A total of 80 HSC s were collected, with 40 (20 males, 20 females) stocked in rearing tanks for 12 weeks (Dec 2023 to Feb 2024) and fed Meretrix sp. to evaluate their health status during captivity. Another set of 40 HSC s (20 males, 20 females) was used for immediate blood collection for RI generation and comparison. A total of 20 hematological parameters were measured: glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides a lkaline phosphatase ( ALP), a spartate tran saminase (AST ), a lanine aminotransferase (ALT ), uric acid, creatinine, urea, b lood urea nitrogen ( BUN), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), calcium (Ca ++)++), magnesium (Mg ++++), hormones (FSH, TSH), and amoebocyte count . There was no significant vari ation in glucose, total protein, albumin, ALP, uric acid, creatinine, urea, BUN, Na⁺, K⁺, and amoebocyte counts between sexes during RI generation. The parameters that showed significant differences between sexes were cholesterol, triglycerides Cl⁻, Ca Mg ++++, AST, and ALT in wild HSC s . Wild HSC s exhibited significantly higher glucose, protein, albumin, uric acid, and creatinine concentration s compared to captive reared HSC s. Wild females had higher triglycerides , cholesterol, and AST concentration s than wild male s and captive reared HSC s . Electrolytes , mineral s , enzymes and hormone concentration s varied, with significant differences observed in K Cl⁻ Ca Mg ++++, ALP, ALT and FSH between wild and captive reared HSC s . No significant differences were found in urea, BUN, Na⁺, TSH, and amoebocyte count between sexes or environments. Advancing the understanding of HSC s health by assessing hematological parameters is crucial for minimizing morbidity and mortality in research and for optimizing longevi ty and overall health in captive environments, hence further studies are required