Diel changes in plasma arginine vasotocin, isotocin, and melatonin in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The diel changes in plasma AVT, IT and Mel in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were studied to assess potential relationships. Blood was sampled at 05:00, 11:00, 16:00, 22:30 and 05:00 in freshwater-adapted fish and at 22:30 in brackish water-adapted fish maintained under natural photoperiod. A few of the FW-acclimated fish were assigned to one of two experimental groups and adapted to DD or LL lighting regimes. Blood samples were taken at 11:00 and 22:30. Hormones were extracted from plasma by solid phase extraction and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Marked diel variations in AVT and Mel were detected in fish maintained under natural photoperiod. Plasma AVT (fmol ml^–1) increased during the light to reach the maximal level at the end of that phase (261.7±23.1). Thereafter, AVT concentration decreased and became minimal at 05:00 (68.9±11.5) 3 h before the sunrise. Plasma Mel (pmol ml^–1) increased between 16:00 and 22:30 when a peak value was reached (1204.0±55.5). Thereafter, Mel levels decreased and were minimal after the onset of the light phase (242.8±37.0). IT levels displayed no significant diel changes. Linear regression analysis indicated the negative correlation between plasma Mel and AVT for five collecting times of the daily 24 h cycle in freshwater fish and at 22:30 in brackish water fish. A similar correlation occurred at 11:00 in the DD group and at 22:30 in the LL group. To elucidate the character of the Mel-AVT relationships further studies are required.     

Food-entrainable circadian oscillator in goldfish: multiple daily feeding times and food-anticipatory activity

The existence of a food-entrainable circadian oscillator (FEO) was examined in goldfish Carassius auratus. Single goldfish were exposed to light–dark (LD) 12:12 (lights on 06:00–18:00 h) and fed at 12:00 h (phase I). The photoperiod regime was shifted to constant light (LL) (phase II). The fish were then fed at 06:00 or at 18:00 h (phase III), and all fish were fasted (phase IV). In both groups, three out of eight fish exhibited food-anticipatory activity (FAA) in phases II and III, the free-running period (τ) of locomotor activity was approximately 24.0 h, and circadian rhythms of locomotor activity started to free-run from the previous FAA in phase IV, indicating the existence of an FEO. Next, single goldfish were exposed to LD 12:12 and were fed twice daily at 12:00 and 00:00 h (phase I). The photoperiod regime was shifted to LL (phase II), and the fish were fasted (phase III). In phase II, FAA was observed in three out of six fish for both feeding times. In phase III, a circadian rhythm of locomotor activity was observed in five fish, and circadian rhythms started to free-run from the previous feeding time (either 12:00 or 00:00 h) in three fish. These results suggest that individual goldfish can remember two daily feeding times.     

Circadian pattern of hepatosomatic index,liver glycogen and lipid content,plasma non-esterified fatty acid,glucose, T3, T4, growth hormone and cortisol concentrations in Oncorhynchus mykiss held under different photoperiod regimes and fed using demand-feeders

The circadian patterns of several tissue and plasma metabolites, and several plasma hormone concentrations are described in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that were held in groups under three different photoperiod regimes, and given free access to a demand-feeder. Regardless of photoperiod regime, all the measured parameters showed significant diel rhythms that appeared to be synchronized by dawn; dawn was represented by the concomitant onset of both light and feeding. The diel increases in hepatic glycogen content, and plasma T₄ and cortisol concentrations were in phase with the main period of feeding activity, whereas the peaks in plasma T₃ and glucose concentrations that may also be triggered by feeding activity, were delayed by several hours. The peaks in hepatosomatic index, plasma non-esterified fatty acids and plasma growth hormone concentrations were 180° out of phase with the main period of feeding activity, and associated with periods of hypophagia and low activity.     

Effects of different photoperiods on growth, stress and haematological parameters in juvenile great sturgeon Huso huso

The effects of constant light (24L:00D), no light (00L:24D) and two light–dark periods (18L:06D;12L:12D) on the growth, stress and haematological variables were assessed in juvenile great sturgeon, Huso huso . During the 8-week experimental period, juveniles (22.5 ± 0.6 g) were kept under a 150 lx light intensity in fibreglass tanks (0.8 m², 500 L). Differences in growth were insignificant during the experiment, but lactate levels were higher in the 00L:24D and 24L:00D photoperiods compared with 12L:12D and 18L:06D photoperiods. Cortisol levels did not show differences among the various photoperiods. At the end of the experimental period, fish reared under a 12L:12D photoperiod had higher haemoglobin values and erythrocyte numbers than in the other photoperiods, while no differences were found between groups with regard to haematocrit values or leucocyte numbers. The highest survival rate (89%) was observed in the 12L:12D period in which the levels of lactate and cortisol as stress indicators were minimal. The results indicate that various photoperiods cause different stress levels in juvenile great sturgeon and have no significant effects on growth, at least in short time periods.     

Age-related changes in 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin binding sites in the brain of sea breams (Sparus aurata,L.)

The pineal organ of fish, through its 24h rhythmic release of melatonin, acts as a transducer of the photoperiod, influencing different physiological functions (e.g., reproduction, growth). The target sites for melatonin are poorly known in fish, especially marine species. A radioligand study was undertaken using the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) maintained under natural temperature and photoperiod (at 28°N latitude). This species exhibits the property of changing sex during growth. Brains of one year-old males were collected at 16:00h and brains of three year-old females at 03:00, 10:00, 16:00 and 23:00h. Membrane homogenate receptor assays were run using 2-[¹²⁵I]iodomelatonin as a ligand. Binding sites were detected in brains of young and old fish. In the younger, the exhibited a B_max between 3.52 and 4.29 fmol mg protein^–1 and a K_D between 358–380 pmol l^–1. In the older fish, the K_D varied according to a daily pattern: values were three times higher at 03:00 and 10:00h (500–600 pmol l^–1) than at 16:00 and 23:00h (150–300 pmol l^–1). The number of sites also were higher at 03:00 and 10:00h (180–200 fmol mg protein^–1) than at 16:00 and 23:00h (95–110 fmol mg protein^–1). Melatonin and iodomelatonin displaced 2-[¹²⁵I]iodomelatonin binding in a dose dependent manner, the second being more potent than the first. Binding was also inhibited by GTP. The results provide the first evidence for the presence of membrane melatonin binding sites in the brain of an exclusively marine fish. They suggest that their number and affinity varies during growth and throughout a light/dark cycle. Future experiments will aim to precise the anatomical location and role of these binding sites.     

Diel pattern of haematocrit, serum metabolites, osmotic pressure, electrolytes and thyroid hormones in sea bass and sea bream

The diel pattern of haematocrit, serum metabolites, electrolytes and thyroid hormones are described in sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, and sea bream, Sparus auratus, held under 12L:12D light cycle (0600–1800 h light). No diel rhythmicity in haematocrit, total proteins, potassium and chloride was observed. Maximum values of glucose, osmotic pressure and sodium were recorded at dusk (1800 h) in both species, irrespective of differences in the size of fish and feeding regime used. Maximum and minimum triiodothyronine values were found during the scotophase in bass and during the photophase in bream. Maximum thyroxine levels occurred at 1400 h (bass) and 1800 h (bream) and minimum during the scotophase, in both species. The light/dark alternation seems to be an important synchronizer of the observed diel changes. Results are discussed in relation to the timing of feeding and the general activity of the fish.     

Photoperiodic mechanisms and rhythms of reproduction in the female rainbow trout

The present work investigates the importance of circadian and circannual rhythms in the photoperiodic control of reproduction in the rainbow trout. Maintenance of groups of 20–30 female trout under continuous light (LL), constant long (18L:6D) or short (6L:18D) days and conditions of constant temperature (8.5–9.0°C) and feeding rates (0.5% body weight, day^–1), starting in February, produced markedly different spawning periodicities during the first and subsequent years of treatment. At the end of the first year, spawning was advanced by up to 2 months in the fish under LL and 18L:6D and delayed by up to 5 months in those under 6L:18D when compared with the December spawning of control fish under ambient light. Continued exposure of the fish to the same photoperiod regimes produced cycles of spawning and peak levels of testosterone, oestradiol-17 and calcium (as an index of vitellogenin) at intervals of 150–170 days under LL and 18L:6D and 320–420 days under 6L:18D. The functional importance of these spawning cycles and their relationship to circannual rhythms and the control of reproduction is discussed.Exposure of fish to skeleton (6L:4D:2L:12D, 6L:6D:2L:10D and 6L:8D:2L:8D) and resonance (6L:42D, 6L:48D and 6L:54D) procedures produced ranges of spawning times up to two months in advance of control fish. Results with the resonance regimes, where fish received only a half the light-dark cycles and a quarter of the total daylight hours of those on ambient light cycles show that trout do not measure daylength and time by counting daily cycles or by hour-glass mechanisms. Collectively, these data support the proposition that rhythmic processes of photosensitivity are involved in the modulation of reproductive development in the rainbow trout and that circadian and circannual rhythms cooperate in the timing and entrainment of this cycle.     

Transpositional feeding rhythm of loach <Emphasis Type="Italic">Misgurnus anguillicaudatus</Emphasis> from larvae to juveniles and its ontogenesis under artificial rearing conditions

The diel feeding rhythm and ontogenesis during early life stage of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus were investigated under experimental conditions (light: L 06:00–18:00, D 18:00–06:00 h). Morphological and behavioral developments of loach from newly hatched to 40 days after hatching were observed. Larvae were able to prey on daphnia 3–4 days after hatching at 23 ± 0.5°C. As the larvae grew, they showed an increasing feeding capacity and a distinct feeding rhythm. Feeding intensity and incidence for day-4 larvae were highest at 10:00 and 16:00 h. The highest levels of feeding intensity for day-12 larvae occurred at 08:00, 12:00, and 18:00 h as did feeding incidence. By day 20, when the larvae metamorphosed, the highest levels of feeding intensity occurred at 06:00, 18:00, and 24:00 h and were concurrent with the highest feeding incidence. After metamorphosis, feeding capacity had again increased considerably and, in contrast to the earlier stages before day 20, feeding intensity for day-30 juveniles peaked at 05:00 and 20:00 h, about 1–2 h after the maximum feeding incidence. The feeding rhythm of loach juveniles at day 40 was almost the same as the day-30 juveniles. The estimated maximum daily feeding rates were 43.1%, 33.4%, 19.0%, 12.8%, and 5.8% of body weight on days 4, 12, 20, 30, and 40, respectively. Thus, loach was found to have different feeding rhythms in the pre- and post-metamorphosis stages, with the highest feeding activity in daytime during the larval planktonic stage before metamorphosis, and intensely nocturnal feeding behavior during the juvenile benthic stage after metamorphosis.     

Control of reproduction in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) by photoperiod manipulation

A major problem in tilapia aquaculture is the frequent reproduction of female fish, leading to increased competition for supplemented food and stunted somatic growth. The feasibility of using photoperiod manipulation to arrest the reproductive performance of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus was therefore examined. Newly hatched O. niloticus were reared in the laboratory under 12L:12D photoperiod at 28 °C. Fish (230–340 g) were maintained under 6L:6D, 12L:12D and 14L:10D photoperiod at 28 °C during the course of this study. Effect of photoperiod manipulation on reproductive parameters of fecundity, gamete quality, offspring viability and overall reproductive success were evaluated. Steroid levels (estradiol-17β, E₂; testosterone, T) during the spawning cycles of fish were analyzed on days 1 and 3 postspawning and at 3-day intervals thereafter. A total of 72 female fish from each photoperiod treatment were investigated the changing pattern of E₂, T and GSI with fish that have spawned once, twice and three times. Fish exposed to 12L:12D and 14L:10D photoperiod spawned successfully throughout the study. Whereas the spawning of fish exposed to 6L:6D photoperiod was arrested after three to four spawning cycles. The arrestment of spawning in fish exposed to 6L:6D photoperiod was paralleled by a significant decrease in plasma levels of E₂ (P<0.05). By contrast, there was no major difference in T levels among the treatments. These findings suggest that photoperiod manipulation can be used to arrest the spawning in tilapia O. niloticus. The utility of this in controlling the problem of overcrowding due to excess offspring in tilapia aquaculture is applicable.     

Endocrine (plasma cortisol and glucose) and behavioral (locomotor and self-feeding activity) circadian rhythms in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis Kaup 1858) exposed to light/dark cycles or constant light

The existence of daily rhythms under light/dark (LD) cycles in plasma cortisol, blood glucose and locomotor and self-feeding activities, as well as their persistence (circadian nature) under constant light (LL), was investigated in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). For the cortisol and glucose rhythms study, 48 soles were equally distributed in 8 tanks and exposed to a 12:12 LD cycle and natural water temperature (experiment 1). After an acclimation period, blood was sampled every 3 h until a 24-h cycle was completed. Blood glucose levels were measured immediately after sampling, while plasma cortisol was measured later by ELISA. In experiment 2, the fish were exposed to LL for 11 days, and after this period, the same sampling procedure was repeated. For the study of locomotor and self-feeding rhythms (experiment 3), two groups of sole were used: one exposed to LD and the other to LL. Each group was distributed within 3 tanks equipped with infrared photocells for the record of locomotor activity, and self-feeders for feeding behavior characterization. The results revealed a marked oscillation in cortisol concentrations during the daily cycle under LD, with a peak (35.65 ± 3.14 ng/ml) in the afternoon (15:00 h) and very low levels during the night (5.30 ± 1.09 ng/ml). This cortisol rhythm persisted under LL conditions, with lower values (mean cortisol concentration = 7.12 ± 1.11 ng/ml) and with the peak shifted by 3 h. Both rhythms were confirmed by COSINOR analysis (p < 0.05). The synchronizing role of temperature and feeding schedule, in addition to light, is also discussed. Diel rhythms of glucose were not evident in LD or LL. As to locomotor and self-feeding activity, a very marked rhythm was observed under LD, with higher activity observed during the night, with acrophases located at 2:14 and 3:37 h, respectively. The statistical significance of daily rhythms was confirmed by COSINOR analysis. Under LL, both feeding and locomotor rhythms persisted, with an endogenous period (τ) around 22.5 h. In short, our findings described for the first time the existence of circadian cortisol and behavioral circadian rhythms in flat fish. Such results revealed the importance of taking into account the time of day when assessing stress responses and evaluating physiological indicators of stress in fish.     

Growth performance and physiological responses in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus, held under different photoperiods

The growth performance and stress response in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (body weight 100–300 g) reared under four photoperiods (6L:6D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) were investigated. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation, two times a day for 8 weeks. A trial of acute handling and confinement stress was also carried out to investigate the stress-induced levels of different stress indicators in O. fasciatus. Blood was also collected from undisturbed fish which was considered as control. Although there were no significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in fish exposed to 6L:6D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, all parameters in these photoperiods were significantly higher than those of 12L:12D photoperiod (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in protein retention efficiency (PRE) between fish exposed to 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, but PRE in both photoperiods was significantly higher than that of 12L:12D photoperiod.Acute stress significantly increased the plasma levels of cortisol (110.3 ng ml^− 1) and glucose (195.4 mg dl^− 1), and decreased plasma levels of total protein (0.8 g dl^− 1); however, all parameters were returned back to the levels indistinguishable from those of control, undisturbed fish within 24 h. The levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein in fish exposed to different photoperiods during the study were far from the stress-induced levels (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the growth performance of O. fasciatus reared from 100 to 300 g can be stimulated significantly by using the manipulated photoperiods where feeding time may be playing an important role to increase food intake and feed conversion efficiency. It also revealed that the artificial photoperiods did not cause significant stress response in fish.     

Diel changes in plasma cortisol and effects of size and stress duration on the cortisol response in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), one of the most economically important fish in Mediterranean mariculture, shows high basal cortisol concentrations compared with other teleosts. The present study aims (a) to identify cortisol diel variation in fish held under a 12L:12D cycle and minimum handling stress, and (b) to establish the effect of fish size and stressor duration on the cortisol response. The results indicate high intrapopulation variability in plasma cortisol and a significant diel fluctuation with a peak value at dusk (18 h). Stressors of different intensity and/or duration affected the cortisol stress response in a differential manner according to fish size (and/or age). Maximum cortisol values in small-size fish were found at 1 and 2 h post-stress, depending on the duration of the stressor, while at 0.5 h post-stress in large fish regardless stress duration.     

Reproduction,growth and stress response in adult red sea bream,Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) exposed to different photoperiods at spawning season

Adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight, 1.0–2.0 kg) was exposed to three photoperiods [12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D), 16 h light:8 h dark (16L:8D) and 24 h light:0 h dark (24L:0D)] from 2 months before spawning till the end of the spawning season to investigate growth, spawning and stress response. During the spawning season, tanks were checked every morning for spawned eggs. The growth performance in fish under 24L:0D was stimulated with significantly higher feed intake than those under other photoperiods (P<0.05). The number of eggs and gonadal histology confirmed that three and five females out of six in each of duplicate tanks of the 16L:8D treatment spawned. In contrast, only two out of six females in one tank of the 24L:0D treatment spawned, and no spawns were observed in the 12L:12D treatment. At the end of the spawning period, both 17β‐estradiol and testosterone levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 16L:8D followed by 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P<0.05). Photoperiod manipulation did not cause significant stress response in fish (P>0.05). The results suggest that stimulating the growth performance of red sea bream at reproductive stage with a 24L:0D photoperiod is possible if the fish are subjected to this photoperiod long before the onset of the spawning season.     

Meagre’s melatonin profiles under captivity: circadian rhythmicity and light sensitiveness

The present study reveals the first characterization of the plasma melatonin rhythms of the meagre (Argyrosomus regius) under aquaculture conditions. Melatonin levels were monitored during a 24 h cycle under a photoperiod of 16 L:8D and under constant darkness (DD), respectively to characterize the daily rhythm of this indoleamine and to test its endogenous origin. Besides, to identify which light intensities are perceived as night or day by this species, the degree of inhibition of nocturnal melatonin production caused by increasing intensities of light was tested (3.3, 5.3, 10.5, and 120 μW/cm²), applying 1 h light pulses at Mid-Dark. The result for melatonin daily rhythm in plasma showed a typical profile: concentration remained low during all daytime points, increasing greatly during dark points, with maximum values at 16:00 and 22:00 h, zeitgeber time. Under DD conditions, the plasma melatonin profile persisted, with a similar acrophase but with a lower amplitude between subjective day and night periods, indicating this rhythm as being endogenously driven. Moreover, meagre seemed to be very sensitive to dim levels of illumination during the night, since an intensity of just 3.3 μW/cm² inhibited melatonin production. However, only the pulse of 5.3 μW/cm² caused a melatonin drop till daytime concentrations. Thus, the threshold of light detection by the pineal organ was suggested as being located between 3.3 and 5.3 μW/cm². Such results are an added value for this species biology knowledge, and in consequence to its adaptation to aquaculture conditions, allowing the improvement of culture husbandry protocols.     

Photoperiod influences the growth, food intake, feed efficiency and digestibility of red sea bream (Pagrus major)

Two consecutive trials were conducted to investigate the effects of photoperiod manipulation on growth rate, food intake and feed conversion efficiency (Trial 1), and the digestibility of nutrients and energy (Trial 2) in red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight 19–120 g). Fish were exposed to four photoperiods (6L:6D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) with light intensity 1500 lx on the water surface. The fish were fed with a commercial diet to apparent satiation. In Trial 2, 0.5% chromic oxide (Cr₂O₃) was used as an inert marker. Significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rates were observed in fish exposed to a 24L:0D photoperiod followed by 16L:8D, 6L:6D and 12L:12D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Food intake and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were also significantly higher in fish exposed to 24L:0D followed by 16L:8D, 6L:6D and 12L:12D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Fish exposed to 24L:0D and 16L:8D photoperiods showed significantly higher lipid and energy digestibility than those exposed to a 12L:12D photoperiod (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the enhancement of growth performances under 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods were attributed to improved appetite, greater food intake and higher feed conversion efficiency as well as higher digestibility.     

Diel feeding rhythms of greenback flounder Rhombosolea tapirina (Günther 1862): the role of light–dark cycles and food deprivation

The role of light–dark (LD) cycles and food deprivation in the regulation of diel feeding rhythms in greenback flounder Rhombosolea tapirina (Günther 1862) was examined. A computerized monitoring system was developed to record uneaten pellets, and food intake was estimated as the difference between pellets presented and those uneaten. Three groups of five fish each (75–281 g) were exposed sequentially to the LD cycles: LD 12:12, LD 12:12 (scotophase advanced by 9 h), LD 6:18, DD, LD 6:6:6:6, LL and LD 12:12 (return to the initial cycle). Illumination was 120 lux at the water surface (complete darkness at scotophase), and water temperature was 15 ± 1 °C. Fish fed mainly during the light hours under LD 12:12 and resynchronized to the scotophase-advanced LD 12:12 regime after about 12 h. Feeding started at the onset of light and extended to the early scotophase under LD 6:18. A circadian feeding rhythm was detected in fish under DD and LD 6:6:6:6 regimes. Under the LL regime, two groups of fish displayed arrhythmic feeding patterns and did not resynchronize to LD 12:12 for at least 13 days. In contrast, the third group of fish exhibited a circadian feeding rhythm under the LL regime and immediately re-entrained to LD 12:12. Fish were deprived of food for a single period of 26–57 h once feeding patterns had been established under LD 12:12, LD 12 : 12 (scotophase advanced by 9 h) and DD regimes, and feed delivery was resumed during the scotophase or subjective night; the timing of feeding rhythms was shifted by the reintroduction of feed, but progressively resynchronized to the LD cycles. The results suggest that the greenback flounder is a diurnal feeder, that a LD 12:12 cycle is a potent environmental cue to entrain circadian feeding rhythms, and that a biological clock is involved in the timing of feeding.     

Effect of the dusk photoperiod change from light to dark on the incubation period of eggs of the spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner)

Spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner), eggs were incubated under different photoperiods to examine the effect of photoperiod on incubation. The eggs from two fish were incubated under five artificial photoperiods: constant dark (D), constant light (L) from 06:00 hours and 6, 10 and 14 h of light from 06:00 hours. The eggs from seven other fish were incubated under a natural photoperiod. Different spawning times (21:00 – 01:00 hours) and different photoperiods combined to give the start of the dusk photoperiod change after 11–23 h of incubation. Constant light or applying the dusk photoperiod change after ≥20 h of incubation appeared to extend the hatching period. The mean hatching period for groups of eggs incubated in darkness or that received the dusk photoperiod change after ≤19 h of incubation (n=8 different groups) was 2 h 15±10 min, which was significantly lower (P<0.05) than the mean hatching period of 4 h±37 min for groups that did not receive the dusk photoperiod change or that received the dusk photoperiod change after ≥20 h of incubation (n=9 groups). However, despite these differences, the majority of the eggs hatched during a 2–3 h period from 17 to 20 h of incubation, and a sigmoid regression (r²=0.9) explained the relationship between percentage hatch and hours of incubation for all photoperiod groups.     

Environmental influences on melatonin secretion in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) and their relevance to commercial culture

This study investigated the effects of photoperiod and temperature on plasma melatonin secretion in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.). Initial work confirmed the presence of a diel profile of melatonin synthesis, with elevated levels during the dark phase. Unusually for fish, the peak in plasma melatonin occurred towards the end of the dark phase, which is indicative of a type `A' melatonin profile. When exposed to 60 hours of continuous darkness a clear endogenous rhythm of melatonin synthesis was observed, which continued for 4 cycles with a periodicity which, approximated to 24 h. When acclimated to varying temperatures (4, 8, 12 or 16 °C) no variation in melatonin production was seen, however, body size appeared to be an important influence, with the smallest fish exhibiting significantly higher levels of dark phase melatonin. Finally, the application of additional night-time illumination to cod maintained in sea cages i.e. without blackout, did not significantly reduce dark phase plasma melatonin, suggesting that cod are less sensitive to photoperiod manipulation in cages than salmonids.     

Feeding interval and photoperiod influence the growth performance of striped knifejaw,Oplegnathus fasciatus

A two‐factor experiment incorporating two photoperiods (16 L:8 D and 24 L:0 D) and four feeding intervals (6, 9, 12 and 24 h) was carried out to determine the most efficient feeding interval and photoperiod for striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation for 10 weeks. Blood was collected to measure the stress indicators. Both the photoperiod and the feeding intervals had a significant effect on the growth performance of striped knifejaw; however, their interaction did not produce any significant effect. The final body weight, weight gain (%) and feed intake at 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐h feeding intervals under 16 L:8 D were significantly higher than those at the 24‐h interval irrespective of the photoperiod (P<0.05). The specific growth rate at 6, 9 and 12 h intervals of the 16 L:8 D photoperiod was significantly higher than that of the other feeding intervals, except at 12 h of the 24 L:0 D photoperiod (P<0.05). At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences in the plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein observed in fish exposed to different photoperiods compared with the initial levels. The results suggested that a combination of a 16 L:8 D photoperiod and either of 6‐, 9‐ or 12‐h intervals can be used to stimulate the growth performance in striped knifejaw.     

Comparison of oxygen consumption patterns between wild and cultured black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli

ABSTRACT:   To compare metabolic activity rhythms between wild and cultured black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli , we measured long-term oxygen consumption rates (OCR) using an automatic intermittent-flow respirometer under constant temperature and darkness. Oxygen consumption rates peaked among wild black rockfish at 12.4 h intervals, which corresponded to a circatidal rhythm. The wild fish were probably exhibiting responses that corresponded to tidal events in their natural environment. However, when captured wild black rockfish were kept under laboratory conditions (12 h light [L] : 12 h dark [D]) for 30 days, the OCR shifted to a circadian rhythm (24.1–24.9 h). The OCR of cultured black rockfish that had been reared in a tank for 9 months peaked at approximately 24 h intervals, corresponding to a circadian rhythm. The results of this study suggest that the differences in OCR patterns between wild and cultured fish were mainly due to differences in the environmental conditions between tidal and non-tidal habitats.