Work

Effects of photoperiod on feeding, gut microbiota and growth of razor clam Sinonovacula constricta

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of photoperiod on the feeding, gut microbiota and growth of razor clam Sinonovacula constricta , and to ascertain the optimal feeding period based on the most favorable photoperiod. Five photoperiod groups (12D:12 L, 14D:10 L, 16D:8 L, 18D:6 L, 20D:4 L) and four zeitgeber time points (ZT0/08:00, ZT6/14:00, ZT12/20:00, ZT18/02:00) were set, and the oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion, feeding rate, digestive enzyme activities (α-Amylase, Pepsin and Lipase) and related gene ( AMS , PEP , LPS ) expression patterns, gut microbiota and growth performances were analyzed. The results showed that the feeding rate was higher under short-day photoperiods (16D:8 L, 18D:6 L, 20D:4 L) than long-day photoperiods (12D:12 L, 14D:10 L), but the digestive enzyme activity and related gene expression levels were higher under 16D:8 L and 18D:6 L than 20D:4 L. In the growth experiment, the razor clams exhibited significantly higher shell length growth rate, weight gain rate and specific growth rate under the 18D:6 L photoperiod compared to other photoperiods ( P < 0.05). The results of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed that the gut microbiota diversity and growth-related microbial flora abundance were higher under 18D:6 L. According to the data of different light and dark periods under 18D:6 L, the oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion rates, feeding rate, digestive enzyme activities and gene expression levels were all higher at ZT12–20 (20:00–4:00) compared with other time periods. Collectively, these results suggested that the photoperiod 18D:6 L may facilitate the feeding, digestion, metabolism and promote the growth, and increasing the food supply at 20:00–4:00 during night can further promote growth of razor clams.

Source: Aquaculture Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103113

Authors: Qijun Li, Qiyi You, Yinghui Dong, Hanhan Yao

Institution: Zhejiang Wanli University

Language: English

Topic: Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,640