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The effects of sub-lethal concentrations of copper and the ameliorating capacity of vitamin C on the humoral and biochemical parameters in the teleost fish, Anabas testudineus, were investigated. The 96 h LC 50 value of copper for A. testudineus was determined by Probit method and was found to be 1.74 mg/L. The blood of fish from two sub-lethal concentrations along with vitamin supplemented media and control medium, were analysed. The haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), erythrocyte count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were reduced (p > 0.0001) in copper exposed fish compared to the control. The leucocyte (WBC) count increased (p < 0.0001) with dose and duration. Immature and amitotic RBCs, hypoxia, hypochromia, and crenation were observed in highest nominal concentrations and last exposures. The plasma glucose, cortisol, GOT (Glutamate oxalate transaminase), GPT (Glutamate pyruvate transaminase), ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) increased (p < 0.0001), and serum protein decreased. However, on day 28, the Hb, RBC count, MCH, MCHC, and the oxygen carrying capacity increased, and glucose, cortisol and LDH decreased, markedly. The administration of vitamin C improved the blood parameters, illustrating its prophylactic capacity to overwhelm the trace metal stress. doi:10.14456/WJST.2014.78