Effect of PIT tagging on hematology and plasma composition of juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca (L.))

The aim of the study was to determine the impact two passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging methods had on the hematological and blood plasma biochemical indicators of juvenile pikeperch. The fish were tagged intraperitoneally (group P) or intramuscularly (group M). Blood samples were drawn prior to tagging (control group—group C), and in groups P and M 3 h, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after PIT implantation. The implantation wounds healed more slowly in the fish from group M, assessed on 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after tagging, than did those in group P. However, after 14 days, the wounds in the fish from both groups were fully healed. The tagging method was not noted to have had a significant impact on the hematological indicators. However, 3 h after tagging the pikeperch with PIT, a significant increase was noted in plasma glucose levels in both groups P and M, but they stabilized in samples collected later (1–14 days). Globulin levels in group M after 1 day and 3 days were significantly lower than those in groups P and C, which could have been evidence of inflammation. The globulin levels in group M also stabilized after 7 days. Despite certain significant differences in the dynamics of changes in some of the biochemical plasma parameters, it appears that the two PIT implantation methods are potentially safe for pikeperch and can be used, for example, in aquaculture facilities for tagging this species.