Daily rhythms in the feeding activity and food processing in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) larvae and post-larvae

Abstract

Larval rearing is the most sensitive phase in marine fish farming due to animal small size, high mortality rates, and imappropriate rearing protocols that later may induce poor performance in post-llarvae and juveniles. The better way to avoid nutritional problems is to adapt th.e feeding protocols to the larval feeding pattems and nutritional requirements. Feeding is a complex process including food uptake, digestion, and processing of the absorbed nutrients, and many metabolic and physiological processes that are rhythmically regulated in order to accomplish the daily energetic demands. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to determine the biological basis that regulates the digestive function throughout the daily cycle during Senega.lese sole larval and post-larval stages in order to improve the digestive efficiency.