Collecting fish blood for testing can generate information on the health of the animals including states of inflammation (e.g. bacterial infection), viral infection, their immunocompetence and more.
Collecting blood from a fish can be likened to collecting it from the tail vein of cattle. I’ve uploaded a video (http://youtu.be/MPoqU6721_Q) demonstrating with an anaesthetised koi fish. In dorsolaterally compressed fishes, and if the needle is not of sufficient length, the needle may be inserted diagonally. Landmarks: midline, spinal column & level with the lateral line.
For reasons why we collect blood in fishes, check out more information on my blog – https://thefishvet.com/?s=haematology
