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Light colour influences the behaviour and stress physiology of captive tench (Tinca tinca)

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Abstract

Groups of juvenile tench (7.02 ± 0.28 g) were reared under four different light regimes; blue light, red light (80 Wm−2 12L:12D photoperiod) white light (912 ± 210 lux, 80 Wm−2, 12L:12D photoperiod) and no light (0 lux) (0L:24D). Visibility of fish out of shelters was used as an indicator of activity and was monitored by video recording. Blood plasma cortisol concentrations were also measured. Fish under blue or white light were significantly less active during the photophase than those under red or no light (P < 0.01). Red light produced similar activity patterns to fish receiving 24 h darkness. Plasma cortisol concentrations were also significantly influenced (P < 0.05) with the fish under white light having the highest plasma cortisol concentration (317 ± 62 ng cm−3) compared to fish in the dark treatment (106 ± 36 ng cm−3). Thus, the provision of coloured light filters increases activity in juvenile tench and may reduce their intrinsic stress level.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the EU 6th framework Craft project: Intensive and sustainable culture of the freshwater species tench; acronym ‘Protench’ (contract number 512575). Thanks are also due to Richard Deyes for help with data collection.

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  1. School of Marine Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, UK

    Matthew A. G. Owen, Simon J. Davies & Katherine A. Sloman

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  1. Matthew A. G. Owen
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  2. Simon J. Davies
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  3. Katherine A. Sloman
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Correspondence to Matthew A. G. Owen.

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Owen, M.A.G., Davies, S.J. & Sloman, K.A. Light colour influences the behaviour and stress physiology of captive tench (Tinca tinca). Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 20, 375–380 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-009-9150-1

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