Circadian modulation of behavioural stress indicators varies between diurnal and nocturnal fish species

Abstract

In the wild, most animals experience daily fluctuations in threats and resources that are synchronised with environmental time cues such as the light-dark cycle. Consequently, animals have evolved daily behavioural patterns (i.e., diurnal or nocturnal) that enhance their fitness by, for example, reducing the temporal overlapping with predators. In fish, previous studies revealed stronger physiological stress responses during the resting period of the species. However, little is known about the circadian modulation of stress indicators and how they are influenced by daily behavioural patterns. In this research, we investigated the behavioural stress responses of two farmed fish species with different activity patterns: the diurnal Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the nocturnal tench (Tinca tinca). To this end, we examined the behavioural response of individuals exposed to the diving test every 4 h over a 24 h cycle (n = 12 fish/species/time point). Results indicated that most behavioural indicators varied according to the time of day, aligning with the daily rhythmic pattern of the two species. Tilapia exhibited stronger stress responses to novelty during the dark phase, while tench displayed higher stress during the light phase. This was supported by stress-related behaviours such as freezing and erratic movements (in both tilapia and tench) and bottom-dwelling (in tench only). These results indicated that stress responses peaked during the resting phase of each species, although behavioural indicators exhibiting this daily variation did not completely coincide between the studied species. Overall, these findings suggest interspecific differences in the daily modulation of behavioural stress indicators in farmed fish, an effect with potential relevance for welfare. Understanding the activity rhythmic patterns, resting periods, and associated daily variation in stress for each fish species of interest can precisely help tailor farming procedures to minimise suffering.