Circadian Rhythms of Self-feeding and Locomotor Activity in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

Zebrafish demonstrated a nocturnal feeding pattern with 88.0% of food demands occurring during the dark phase.

• Feeding activity peaked during the last 4 hours of the dark phase.
• Locomotor activity was predominantly diurnal, with 88.2% occurring in the light phase.
• Both feeding and locomotor rhythms persisted under free-running conditions, indicating they are endogenously driven.
• The average period length of the locomotor rhythm was shorter (22.9 hours) and longer for feeding (24.6 hours) than the typical 24-hour cycle.
• Feeding activity was significantly altered when food availability was restricted, while locomotor activity remained aligned with the light-dark cycle.
• These findings indicate an independent phasing of locomotor and feeding activities, suggesting a complex control of circadian rhythms in zebrafish.

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