The circulating blood cells of Torpedoes (Torpedo marmorata Risso and Torpedo ocellata Rafinesque).

The literature on elasmobranch peripheral blood cells is reviewed and the results of light and electron microscope studies of 15 specimens of Torpedo marmorata Risso and 8 specimens of Torpedo ocellata Rafinesque (Pisces Torpedinidae) are presented. The haematological mean values observed were: haemoglobin 3.22 g/100 ml; haematocrit 2-4.54; red cells 201160/mm3; white cells 43870/mm; thromboeytes 19530/mm3; MCV 1039 µm3; MCH 149 pg; MCHC 13%. On blood smears stained with M.G.G. and peroxidase-benzidine reaction, the following cells were identified and described: mature erythrocytes, acidophilic erythroblasts ( 17,5%, basophilic erythroblasts (1.7%), lymphocytes, monocvtes, eosinophilic granulocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes and thrombocytes. An ul¬trastructural study of these cells and their specific granules is included.