Effects of dietary chromium exposure to rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii are ameliorated by ascorbic acid

•Chromium was taken up by the rockfish, S. schlegelii.•Hematological parameters were altered.•High concentrations of ascorbic acid ameliorated chromium uptake and effects.

Juvenile rockfish Sebastes schlegelii (mean length 10.8±1.4 cm, and mean weight 31.7±3.6 g) were exposed for 4 weeks with the different levels of dietary chromium (Cr6+) at 0, 120 and 240 mg/L and ascorbic acids (AsA) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/L. Significant accumulation occurred in specific tissues and hematological parameters were altered: red blood cell count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin increased; plasma components were altered including calcium, glucose, cholesterol, total protein, glutamic oxalate transaminase, and glutamic pyruvate transaminase. However, magnesium and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were unchanged. Ascorbic acids reduced both chromium uptake into tissues and altered hematological parameters.