Diel Rhythms of Serum Metabolites and Thyroid Hormones in Red Porgy Held in Different Photoperiod Regimes

Diel rhythms in serum glucose, lactate, cholesterol, triglycerides and thyroid hormones were studied in red porgy, Pagrus pagrus, held under different photoperiod regimes (constant darkness – DD, 8L:16D,12L:12D), at a constant temperature (17.1–18.7 °C) and fed with commercial pellets, by means of a self-feeder. A clear diurnal rhythm in feeding activity, regardless of the photoperiod regime was demonstrated. All serum components showed significant diel rhythms, although they were not necessarily consistent or circadian in periodicity. As well as this, differences in the average values among the varying treatments were observed. Fish held under the 12L:12D protocol displayed significantly higher average T₄, T₃ and lactate levels during the day rather than at night. Maximum glucose values occurred 8–12 h after dawn and maximum lactate concentrations at 06:00 or 14:00 h. Diel variations in cholesterol were evident only in the DD group with peak values inversely correlated with the rhythm of food intake. Triglycerides displayed a similar pattern of changes. Significant diel fluctuations in T₄ serum levels were observed only in fish exposed to the 12L:12D protocol, with peak values at dawn. A clear diurnal peak (10:00 h) in T₃ concentrations was observed in fish subjected to the 12L:12D regime, while fish exposed to the 8L:16D protocol showed two peaks: one in the photophase (10:00 h) and another in the scotophase (02:00 h). The light–dark alternation and the general activity rhythm of fish seem to be the main synchronizers of the diel rhythms observed in this study.