Rheological properties of rainbow trout blood

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Abstract
The effects of shear rate and red cell concentration on the viscosity of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) blood were evaluated at 0 and 15 °C using a cone-plate viscometer. The viscosity of blood was shear dependent at both temperatures, with the highest values occurring at the lower temperature and shear rate. The viscosity of plasma was not shear dependent. Viscosity of blood increased in a linear fashion between hematocrits of 0 and 40%. Viscosity of the rainbow trout blood was similar to that of arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), but considerably lower and less shear and temperature dependent than the bloods of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) and shorthorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius). It is hypothesized that low shear and temperature dependent blood viscosity may be a characteristic of active fish.