Stocking density affects circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in african catfish, clarias gariepinus

Citation

Vera L, Al‐Khamees S & Migaud H (2011) Stocking density affects circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in african catfish, clarias gariepinus. Chronobiology International, 28 (9), pp. 751-757. https://doi.org/10.3109/07420528.2011.606388

Abstract
The effect of stocking density on the locomotor activity of African catfish C. gariepinus under different light regimes was investigated. C. gariepinus were stocked under different densities (1, 5, or 10 fish/tank), and their locomotor activity recorded under light-dark (LD), constant light (LL), constant darkness (DD), and LD-reversed (DL) regimens. Under the LD cycle, catfish showed a crepuscular activity pattern, irrespective of stocking density, with most of the daily activity concentrated around the light-onset and light-offset times. When fish were subjected to DD, all 4 tanks with medium (5 fish) and high (10 fish) stocking densities showed circadian rhythmicity, with an average period (τ) of 23.3 ± 0.5 and 24.6 ± 0.5 h, respectively. In contrast, only 2 low (1 fish) density tanks showed free-running rhythms. Under LL, activity levels decreased significantly in comparison with levels observed under LD and DD. Moreover, fish of 1, 2, and 3 out of the 4 tanks with low, medium, and high densities, respectively, showed free-running rhythms under these conditions. When the photocycle was reversed (DL), fish of 3, 2, and 4 out of the 4 tanks with low, medium, and high stocking densities, respectively, showed gradual resynchronization to the new phase, and transient cycles of activity were observed. These results suggest that stocking density of fish affected the display of circadian rhythmicity and the intensity of activity levels. Thus, fish kept in higher densities showed more robust rhythmicity and higher levels of daily activity, indicating that social interactions may have an influence on behavioral patterns in the African catfish.Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07420528.2011.606388

Keywords
African catfish; Circadian rhythms; Clara gariepinus; Locomotor activity; Photoperiod; Stocking density

Journal
Chronobiology International: Volume 28, Issue 9

People

Professor Herve Migaud

Honorary Professor, Institute of Aquaculture