Effects of Red LED Spectra and Different Photoperiods on the Circadian Rhythm of Abalones (Haliotis discus hannai).

Light is an external environmental factor that affects the biorhythms of aquatic organisms and is involved in their behavior, reproduction, and various biological responses. The biorhythm (24-h cycle) of organisms is controlled internally by clock genes, such as period (Per), cryptochrome (Cry), and melatonin receptor (MT-R), and is externally controlled by light, food, and temperature. In this study, the experimental organisms were divided into photoperiod and LED groups. The photoperiod group was exposed to two photoperiods (LD, 12 h light: 12 h darkness; DD, constant darkness), and the LED group was exposed to a red LED light (wavelength, 630 nm; 12 h LED light: 12 h darkness). Per and Cry mRNA expression levels increased during the bright phase and decreased during the dark phase. MT-R mRNA expression decreased during the bright period and increased during the dark period. The trend in clock gene expression in the RD group was similar to that in the DD group but not in the LD group. Red LED irradiation induced gene expression similar to the 24 h memorization condition, suggesting that long-wavelength light conditions can change the biorhythm of abalones. This study provides academic information on the biorhythm cycle of abalone (a marine gastropod), which is less well known than that of fish and can aid in predicting the physiological response of abalones to changes in light wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]