Evidence for an endogenous circadian rhythm of feeding in the trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract

The possible endogenous circadian rhythm in the feeding activity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was investigated using individual fish previously trained for self‐feeding. Under LD 12:12 conditions, the fish showed a diurnal behaviour, in many cases with a feeding rhythm with two main peaks of food demand at dawn and dusk, with an 8h interval of low feeding activity, and the actograms showed an expected 24 h rhythm. Fish kept under constant conditions (L : L, 15°±0.5°C), showed free‐running feeding activity for about 12 days. Food demands were concentrated at dawn, with a periodogram of 25.3 hour, under continuous environmental conditions. Results showed evidence for the endogenous origin of the circadian rhythm of feeding in this species.