A type of anemia, often hereditary in origin, characterized by the presence of spherocytes in the blood, a condition in which the concentration of hemoglobin in the circulating blood is below normal.

Symptoms include jaundice, splenomegaly, and fragility of the red blood cells.

Such a condition is caused by a deficient number of erythrocytes (red blood cells), an abnormally low level of hemoglobin in the individual cells, or both of these conditions simultaneously.

Regardless of the cause, all types of anemia cause similar signs and symptoms because of the blood's reduced capacity to carry oxygen and these symptoms include pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, weakness, dizziness, easy fatigability, and drowsiness.

Severe cases show difficulty in breathing, heart abnormalities, and digestive complaints.