Use of Erythrocyte Measurements to Identify Triploid Salmonids

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: Benfey, T. J., Sutterlin, A. M., Thompson, R. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1984
• Subjects: Coulter; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f84-112; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f84-112

Triploid landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were identified using microspectrophotometry to measure the DNA content of Feulgen-stained erythrocytes. Blood cell sizing by means of a Coulter Counter Channelyzer was a highly effective alternative for screening triploids, comparable with flow cytometry in speed and accuracy. The statistical analysis of various erythrocyte dimensions measured from blood smears was also a valid method for identifying triploids. No mosaic polyploids were found, and the existence of such fish is questioned.