Effects of dietary lipid source on reproductive performance and tissue lipid levels of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) broodstock

Nile tilapia were fed diets supplemented with one of the following lipid sources at 5% level: cod liver oil, corn oil, soybean oil, a coconut oil-based cooking oil or a combination of cod liver oil and corn oil (1 : 1). The control diet had no lipid supplement and tad fish meal as a sole protein source. A diet with soybean meal as a protein source was also tested. The number of females that spawned, spawning frequency, number of fry per spawning, and total fry production were increased at varying degrees by the supplemental lipid sources except for the cod liver oil. Fish fed the soybean oil diet tad the best overall reproductive performance over a 24-week period. Fish fed the cod liver oil diet had the highest weight gain but the poorest reproductive performance. The suplemental lipids significantly increased crude fat levels in the liver and ovaries. Both males and females Ld the cod liver oil diet had the highest levels of fat in the liver and muscle. The ratio of total n-6/n-3 fatty acid in the liver, ovaries and testes was influenced by the supplemental lipid sources. It was highest in fish fed either the soybean oil diet, the corn oil diet, or the soybean meal diet and lowest in fish fed the control diet or the cod liver oil diet.     

Effect of replacing different levels of dietary fishmeal with Jatropha curcas kernel meal on the development of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The present trial tested the applicability of Jatropha curcas kernel meal (JKM) as a protein source in diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in terms of growth and body composition. Four diets were produced replacing 0% (Control), 50% (J50), 75% (J75) and 100% (J100) of fishmeal with JKM. In a fifth diet, 70% of fishmeal was replaced by JKM, and another 20% replaced by blood meal to minimize crystalline lysine addition. Body mass gain of fish fed the control diet was significantly higher than in all other treatments. However, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly different between diets J50, J75 and the control. Fish fed the control diet had a lower body protein content, but higher body fat and energy content than fish fed the JKM‐based diets. An adaptation of fish fed diets J50, J75 and J100 could also be observed, as these diets showed worse FCR‐values over most of the first three quarters of the experiment and equal (or in the case of J75, even significantly better) FCR‐values over the final 2 weeks. Despite slightly slower growth, JKM should be further included in the search of alternative plant‐feedstuffs in diets for tilapia, as the growth observed here for up to 75% replacement of fishmeal was very promising.     

Growth performance,haematological assessment and chemical composition of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fed different levels of Aloe vera extract as feed additives in a closed aquaculture system

A 105-day experimental trial was conducted to assess different levels of dietary Aleo vera extract supplementation on water quality parameters, proximate composition, growth performance and haematological parameters of fry Oreochromis niloticus. Four different percentages of dietary leaf extract powder of Aleo vera (ALE) with a basal feed, designated as, i.e., T0 (Control group; without ALE), T1 (1% ALE), T2 (2% ALE), and T3 (3% ALE). Fish fry was reared in concrete tanks (7.0 m, 1.6 m, 1.0: L, W, H; water volume 11.2 m3/tank), with an average initial weight 4.04 ± 0.03 g/ fry, and each treatment was triplicated. Fry was randomly distributed at a stocking rate of 450 individuals/ tanks. The water quality parameters revealed that temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrates were found in a promising range as given by FAO/WHO limits. However, the record values obtained for Electric Conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), and alkalinities were not found in all tanks' suitable range according to FAO/WHO limits. The results revealed a significant impact of different percentages of dietary ALE supplementation on fry's body composition and haematological parameters. Moreover, the final body weight, final body length, average daily weight gain (g), net weight gain (g) and specific growth rate (%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 compared with T0 and T3 treatments. The poorest feed conversion ratio was recorded in the T2 group compared with other treatments. Thus, the current study provides information about the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia culturing in Pakistan.     

Dietary folic acid (FA) requirement of a genetically improved Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The present study was conducted to determine the dietary folic acid (FA) requirement of genetically improved Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Experimental diets were supplemented with 0.04, 0.22, 0.48, 0.96, 2.25, or 4.07 mg/kg FA, respectively, and fed to three replicate groups of 15 tilapia (mean initial weight = 60.23 ± 2.60 g; mean ± SD) for 12 weeks. Results showed that the weight gain rate increased linearly with increasing dietary FA from 0.04 to 0.40 mg/kg, then remained stable with higher supplementation. Similarly, hepatic FA concentration, red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) all markedly increased in fish fed with 4.07 mg/kg FA compared to those fed a control diet (p < .05). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities decreased with increasing dietary FA (p < .05). The FA requirement was estimated to be 0.4 mg/kg based on weight gain rate, and 0.7 mg/kg based on liver FA accumulation.     

Effect of water temperature,feeding frequency,and protein percent in the diet on water quality,growth and behavior of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

This study evaluated how water temperature (26, 28, and 30°C), number of meals per day (one or two meals), and protein percent in diet (20, 25 and 30%) impact growth performance, biometric indices, and feeding behavior of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were randomly allocated into 18 equal replicate groups. Higher final body weight was observed in fish reared at 30°C and fed one meal per day containing 30% crude protein. Better weight gain, weight gain %, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, and condition factor were recorded in fish reared at 26°C and fed one meal per day containing 30% protein. The best length weight relationship was obtained in fish reared at 26°C and fed one meal per day containing 30% crude protein. Shorter feeding duration and duration of appetite inhibition latency were recorded in fish reared at 30°C, fed one meal per day, and given a diet containing 30% protein. The highest proactivity was recorded in fish reared at 30°C, received one meal per day, and with 25% crude protein in their diet. Conclusively, rearing Nile tilapia at 26–30°C with a lower feeding frequency (one meal/day) and a 30% crude protein diet achieved better performance and feeding behavior.     

Biological control of streptococcal infection in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) using filter‐feeding bivalve mussel Pilsbryoconcha exilis (Lea, 1838)

Since bivalve mussels are able to graze heavily on bacteria, in this paper it is hypothesized that when mussels are cultured with fish, the filtering efficiency of the mussels will keep the bacterial population below a certain threshold and thus assist in reducing the risk of bacterial disease outbreaks. The ability of the filter‐feeding bivalve mussel Pilsbryoconcha exilis to control Streptococcus agalactiae was tested in a laboratory‐scale tilapia culture system. Juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), the bivalve mussel as well as the bacteria were cultured at different combinations using four treatments: treatment‐1: mussel and bacteria but no fish, treatment‐2: tilapia and mussel but no bacteria, treatment‐3: tilapia and bacteria but no mussel, and treatment‐4: tilapia, mussels, and bacteria. All treatments were run in three replicates; stocking rates were 10 tilapia juveniles; five mussels; and about 3.5 × 10⁵ colony forming units (CFU) ml^?1 of bacteria in 50‐L aquaria with 40‐L volume. The mussel reduced the bacterial population by 83.6–87.1% in a 3‐week period whereas in the absence of the mussel, the bacterial counts increased by 31.5%. Oresence of the mussel also resulted in significantly higher growth and lower mortality of tilapia juveniles than when the mussel was absent. The results of this experiment suggest that the freshwater mussel P. exilis could control the population of S. agalactiae in a laboratory‐scale tilapia culture system. Future studies should focus on the dynamic interactions among fish, mussels, and bacteria as well as on how input such as feed and other organic materials affect these interactions.     

Effects of environmental colour on growth of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), maintained individually or in groups

Examined was the influence of different colours of light on the growth of adult Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) held either individually (initial size 12.8 ± 1.1 cm; 62.9 ± 15.6 g) or in groups (initial size 7.8 ± 0.8 cm; 17.2 ± 6.4 g). Various colours (blue 434.5 nm, violet 430.0 nm, red 609.7 nm, green 525.2 nm and yellow 545.2 nm) did not affect weight gain of fish held individually (initial to final weights: blue 62.5 ± 18.4 to 72.9 ± 16.0 g, violet 63.5 ± 17.8 to 78.0 ± 19.1 g, green 62.1 ± 13.0 to 72.9 ± 15.7 g, and yellow 60.4 ± 20.4 to 71.0 ± 21.1 g); red seemed to restrict growth (initial to final weights: 65.8 ± 13.3 to 71.8 ± 10.8 g). Final weight differences were observed among individuals in groups maintained under blue, violet, red and green light (smaller and larger fish: blue 13.2 ± 5.0 and 18.9 ± 7.0 g, violet 17.3 ± 5.2 and 23.8 ± 4.7 g, red 14.7 ± 3.3 and 23.9 ± 4.7 g, and green 19.4 ± 7.8 and 28.6 ± 8.1 g); however, under the yellow light there were no differences in final weights (smaller fish 19.1 ± 4.8 g; larger fish 26.2 ± 5.2 g). Under the red light, heterogeneity in growth was observed earlier than with the other colours. It is therefore suggested that the red colour might have some harmful effects on Nile tilapia growth, limiting weight gain when fish are individually maintained, and with weight differences increasing when fish are held in groups. On the other hand, the yellow light seems to be positive for Nile tilapia, as it appears not to affect individually‐held fish, but reduces variation in growth of group‐maintained fish, promoting growth homogeneity.     

Circulating thyroid hormone levels and iodothyronine deiodinase activities in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) following dietary exposure to Endosulfan and Aroclor 1254

We evaluated the effects of two organochlorinated environmental contaminants, Endosulfan and Aroclor 1254 on peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism and thyroid hormone plasma levels in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Tilapia were exposed through diet to 0.1 and 0.5 microg g(-1) of Endosulfan and 0.5 microg g(-1) of Aroclor 1254 for 21 and 35 days. Decreased plasma T4 and rT3 levels were observed in tilapia exposed to the lower dose of Endosulfan, while treatment with a higher dose and Aroclor 1254 produced no changes. Plasma T3 levels were not affected by these compounds. Hepatic type I deiodinase (D1) activity was depressed by a lower dose of Endosulfan and hepatic type III (D3) activity was increased following 35 days of exposure to the lower dose of Endosulfan and following 21 and 35 days of exposure to Aroclor 1254; while type II (D2) remained unchanged in liver as well as in all other organs analysed. Apart from hepatic D3 activity, Endosulfan and Aroclor 1254 also increased D3 activity in gill, but not in other tested organs. It is concluded that dietary exposure of tilapia to Endosulfan or Aroclor 1254 can lead to changes in circulating thyroid hormone levels and/or in peripheral thyroid hormone metabolism. The changes in hormone metabolism differ between tissues, eventually reflecting tissue-specific differences in adaptation.     

Taste preferences and feeding behaviour in the facultative herbivorous fish,Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Taste preferences in fishes are known mainly for carnivorous species, whereas herbivorous consumers were rarely used in such studies. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the taste preferences in the herbivorous African cichlid fish, Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. In laboratory settings, the palatability of widely used taste substances (four taste substances that are considered to be sweet, sour, bitter and salty for humans – sucrose, citric acid, calcium chloride and sodium chloride; 21 free L -amino acids; 12 sugars and artificial sweetener Na-saccharin; 0.1–0.0001 M) was evaluated. In each trial, a standard agar pellet flavoured with a substance was offered for fish individually. The consumption of pellet, the number of grasps and the retention time before the pellet was finally ingested or rejected were registered. Overall, 21 of 38 substances were palatable, whereas other substances did not shift consumption of pellets in relation to blank pellets. Pellets containing citric acid, L -cysteine, L -norvaline, L -isoleucine, L -valine, Na-saccharin and D -sorbitol were consumed in >85% of trials. Taste attractiveness of amino acids was highly species-specific and was not associated with the trophic category of the 19 species compared. Moreover, it did not correlate with dietary quantitative requirements of Nile tilapia (r_s = 0.27; P > 0.05). Palatability of sugars for O. niloticus and their sweetness for humans did not correlate as well (r_s = 0.21; P > 0.05); nonetheless, Na-saccharin has the most attractive taste for both O. niloticus and humans. The most palatable amino acids lost their effect if the concentration was lowered to 0.01 M for L -cysteine and 0.001 M for L -norvaline (lower than 242.3 μg and 23.4 μg per a pellet, respectively). Single pellet grasp was characteristic of O. niloticus feeding behaviour (>95% of trials), and this pattern may be related to the social lifestyle of this species. Fish spent 4–8 s on average for orosensory evaluation of pellet edibility. The retention time correlated with the palatability of substances and was significantly longer in trials that ended up with pellet swallowing. It is suggested that prolonged orosensory evaluation of food before swallowing provides a reliable and accurate sensory evaluation, which, in turn, can reduce the probability that inadequate food will be consumed.     

Growth,biochemical, fatty acid composition,and mRNA levels of hepatic enzymes in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT,Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus, 1758) at different stocking densities

Investigated were the effects of stocking density on juvenile growth performance, serum biochemistry, fatty acid composition, and mRNA levels of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT), Oreochromis niloticus. Juvenile fish (n = 900) were distributed into 15 tanks at five initial stocking densities (75, 150, 225, 300, and 375 g/m³ per 800‐L tank, represented as D1–D5, respectively). Temperature was maintained at 28 ± 0.3°C, and water flow rate into the tanks was about 8 L/min. The fish accepted floating pelleted feed (crude protein 28%, crude lipid 6%, and gross energy 149.2 KJ/g diet). The feed amount offered was 4%–8% of body weight. At the end of the 60‐day experiment, the final stocking densities were 1,454.18, 2,010.60, 2,913.13, 3,819.73, and 4,380.80 g/m³, respectively. Growth and body mass coefficient of variation were significantly affected (p < .05). No differences in feed conversion rate or survival were found (p > .05). Muscle lipid contents decreased with stocking density from D1 to D5. Serum total protein and cholesterol levels were not affected by the stocking density but the D5 group produced the highest serum cortisol and lactate levels and the lowest glucose levels compared to those of the other groups. Lower muscle saturated fatty acid and n?3 polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were observed in the D4 group than in the other groups, whereas the reverse was found in the n?6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Hepatic glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, fatty acid synthetase, hormone‐sensitive triglyceride lipase, and lipoprotein lipase mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in response to a high density. These data suggest that the GIFT adapted to high‐density conditions by altering the composition of muscle fatty acid and stimulating lipid metabolic enzymes. These mechanisms may help fish respond to high stocking density stress in intensive aquaculture systems.     

Partial replacement of dietary protein nitrogen with dispensable amino acids in diets of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Eighteen groups of 40 juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were fed five experimental diets in which crude protein (30% dry matter) was replaced at a level of 25% by dispensable amino acids (DAA) in the free form, given singly (alanine, glutamic acid or glycine) or as a mixture and at a level of 50% by DAA mixture. At the 25% substitution level, irrespective of the nature of the DAA, growth was slightly reduced (10%), while glycaemia, nitrogen retention and excretion were unaffected. A 50% substitution with the DAA mixture resulted in a marked reduction in growth (50%), a modified pattern of glycaemia and a lower nitrogen retention associated with a higher nitrogen excretion. Results suggest that DAA should not account for more than 60% of the total amino acid supply in tilapia diets.     

Gender and sexual behavior modulate the composition of serum lipocalins in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In tilapia species, plasma lipoproteins with high electrophoretic mobility function in intra- and intergender communication. Blood samples taken at onset and peak of daily sexual activity from dominant and subordinate Oreochromis niloticus males and females were fractionated by native gel electrophoresis and the fast-migrating proteins were subjected to mass spectrometry. Mining the sequence data of the Cichlid Genome Consortium, we identified 11 proteins from the lipocalin super-family and characterized their genes' structures. Phylogenetic and structural analyses subdivided these genes into two classes: (I) 3-coding-exon apolipoproteins and (II) more complex 6-coding-exon sulfide-bond-containing lipocalins. Five apolipoproteins and PTGDSL1, TBTBP, and MSP proteins were modulated by gender and sexual behavior. PTGDSL1 protein was only observed in the plasma serum of dominant males. However, the cysteine residue in the position that is crucial for synthetase activity in mammalian prostaglandin D synthetases was not conserved in PTGDSL1 or PTGDSL2 proteins. In line with previous reports suggesting their involvement in male functions as pheromone transporters, TBTBP and MSP proteins were not detected in females at the onset of daily activity. Their increasing amount in males was concordant with the increase in apolipoproteins AFP4L, APOA4a, APOA4b, APO14kD and APOC2, which were detected exclusively in dominant males, indicating a possible role in mobilization of the energy required to maintain their social hierarchy.     

Mitotic chromosomal abnormalities and DNA polymorphism in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,Linnaeus, 1758) as a biomarker for water pollution by heavy metals

Mitotic chromosomal aberrations and DNA polymorphism (RAPD marker) were carried out on the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus collected from five sites in Minia governorate, Egypt to test their applicability as biomonitors for heavy metal contaminants of water. The diploid chromosome number of O. niloticus population was 2 n = 44. Different types of chromosomal aberrations were recorded (e.g., deletion, ring, centromeric attenuation, end-to-end association, dicentric chromosome, stickiness chromosomes, endomitosis, fragments and chromatid gap). The chromosomal aberrations varied between O. niloticus population collected from five sites, and the most common type was ring (R) chromosomes. Samples obtained from Bahr Yousef and Irrigation drain exhibited the highest aberration frequency. The frequency of chromosomal aberration was positively correlated with the concentration of heavy metals where their concentration in the surface water of Irrigation drain and Bahr Yousef exceeded the limits defined by WHO as well as the concentration of Pb in muscles. The RAPD marker was also used to identify genetic variation among Nile tilapia samples collected from five different water sources. It created polymorphic and unique bands that can be used as genetic markers to track DNA variations. The dendrogram also revealed that exposure to heavy metal pollution causes gradual accumulation of variance, whereas areas subjected to environmental stress showed higher genetic variation and clustered together.     

Immunotoxicity and hepatic function evaluation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to diazinon

The LC(50) of the organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) diazinon to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was determined, thereafter, hepatic activity, phagocytic index, percentages of active cells, relative spleen weight, total IgM concentration and lymphoproliferation rates were compared between diazinon exposed groups (LC(50) and (1/2)LC(50)) and non-exposed control group. Experimental data show that diazinon is highly toxic for juvenile Nile tilapia (LC(50)=7.830 ppm) and presents immunotoxic properties which affect both the innate and cellular adaptive immune responses of this fish, as revealed by the fact that splenocyte proliferation and phagocytic indices were significantly decreased after acute exposure to the pesticide. However, the hepatic biochemical parameters and the total circulating IgM concentrations were not affected in this experimental model.     

Nonadditive expression of lipid metabolism pathway-related genes in intestine of hybrids of Nile tilapia females (Oreochromis niloticus) and blue tilapia males (Oreochromis aureus)

Nonadditive expression contributes to heterosis in hybrids. In this study, the expression profiles of twelve lipid metabolism pathway-related genes were investigated in the intestine of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) ♀?×?blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) ♂ hybrid. The expression of genes from the hybrid were assigned to nonadditive and additive expression pattern groups and compared with expression patterns from Nile tilapia and blue tilapia. In the intestine of the hybrid, apoA4B was expressed at intermediate levels, but apoB and MTP were assigned to ELD-B and ELD-N categories, respectively. The LPL and LRP1 showed transgressive up-regulation in the hybrid, but LDLR was assigned to the ELD-B category. For fatty acid uptake related genes, only FABP11a was categorized as nonadditive expression with transgressive up-regulation, while CD36 and FABP3 were categorized as additive expression in the intestine of the hybrid. Two genes in triacylglycerol metabolism, namely, FAS and DGAT2, showed transgressive up-regulation in the hybrid. Most of the genes analyzed in the present study showed nonadditive expression (8 in 12), and five genes showed transgressive up-regulation. These results indicated that the stimulation of lipid metabolism in the hybrid compared to that of its parents. The hyperactive expression of these genes in the hybrid may be associated with the growth and lipid usage vigor.

     

Effect of feeding different protein to energy (P/E) ratios on the growth performance and body composition of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

This study evaluated the growth performance and body composition of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (average initial weight 16.53 ± 0.44 g) fed 9 experimental diets (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I) containing three different levels of protein (26, 31 and 36 g 100 g^?1) at three different gross energy (GE) levels (16, 19 and 22 MJ kg^?1) for a period of 64 days. Significant differences were observed in the feed consumption, body weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (k), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein retention (NPR) and apparent net energy retention (ANER) values of fish when the energy level of diet was increased at different protein levels. The maximum weight gain, SGR and k were observed on diet F containing 36% protein and an energy level of 19 MJ kg^?1 of dry feed with a protein to energy (P/E) ratio of 18.96 (g protein MJ^?1 GE). A further increase in the energy content of the diet (22 MJ kg^?1) at the same protein level (Diet I) did not produce any improvement in the growth performance. Lowering the energy level at the same protein level significantly affected the growth performance. Fish fed diet B containing 31% protein and a lower energy level of 16 MJ kg^?1 with the same P/E ratio of 18.61 as diet F showed significantly lower weight gain and growth performance than diet F. Diets E and H containing 31% crude protein at all three energy levels produced similar results as diet B. The poorest FCR was observed when the diet contained both lower levels of protein and energy. Fish fed diet G, containing 26% protein at high energy level (22 MJ kg^?1), showed the best PER and NPR values. The PER and NPR were the poorest on diet C containing 36% protein at low energy level (16 MJ kg^?1). The body moisture content at all protein levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the increasing level of dietary energy whereas the body fat content increased (P < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in the body ash and energy content. Increasing the dietary energy content at lower protein levels did not show any difference (P > 0.05) in body protein content. Our results indicated the optimum P/E ratio for O. niloticus as 18.96 g protein per mega joule of gross energy at 36% dietary protein level and a dietary gross energy value of 19 MJ kg^?1.     

Spermatozoa morphology and ultrastructure in Nile perch,Lates niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Lates niloticus is a valuable commercial fish species with good potential for aquaculture. However, there is limited information on the type and structure of the Nile perch spermatozoon, which could potentially aid in culture of this species. Here, we describe the spermatozoon ultrastructure in L. niloticus using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The spermatozoon had a round head-shape, medio-laterally flat, no acrosome, a short midpiece located laterally to the nucleus, uniflagella with one wing. The head of the spermatozoon contained the nucleus, centriolar system, proximal part of the flagellum, and cytoplasmic channel. Centrioles were arranged at an angle of 90° to each other, forming a T-shape, parallel to the nucleus. The midpiece was cylindrical, loaded with cytoplasm, five to seven spherical mitochondria; and the flagellum’s plasma membrane extended to form one lateral wing. The spermatozoa were classified as type II spermatozoa. L. niloticus spermatozoon differed from that of its Australian congener L. calcarifer, especially in the centriole arrangement and nuclear shape, length of the midpiece and the number of mitochondria and lateral wings.     

Clock-controlled endogenous melatonin rhythms in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The purpose of this work was to investigate the circadian melatonin system in two tropical teleost species characterized by different behavioral habits, Nile tilapia (diurnal) and African catfish (nocturnal). To do so, fish were subjected to either a control photoperiod (12L:12D), continuous light (LL) or darkness (DD), or a 6L:6D photoperiod. Under 12L:12D, plasma melatonin levels were typically low during the photophase and high during the scotophase in both species. Interestingly, in both species, melatonin levels significantly decreased prior to the onset of light, which in catfish reached similar basal levels to those during the day, demonstrating that melatonin production can anticipate photic changes probably through circadian clocks. Further evidence for the existence of such pacemaker activity was obtained when fish were exposed to DD, as a strong circadian melatonin rhythm was maintained. Such an endogenous rhythm was sustained for at least 18 days in Nile tilapia. A similar rhythm was shown in catfish, although DD was only tested for four days. Under LL, the results confirmed the inhibitory effect of light on melatonin synthesis already reported in other species. Finally, when acclimatized to a short photo-cycle (6L:6D), no endogenous melatonin rhythm was observed in tilapia under DD, with melatonin levels remaining high. This could suggest that the circadian clocks cannot entrain to such a short photocycle. Additional research is clearly needed to further characterize the circadian axis in teleost species, identify and localize the circadian clocks, and better understand the environmental entrainment of fish physiology.