The comparative endocrinology of feeding in fish: insights and challenges

Abstract

Studying the endocrine regulation of food intake in fish can be challenging due to the diversity in appetite-regulating hormones and the diversity within the fish group itself. Studies show that although the structure of the hormones is relatively conserved among vertebrates, their functions might vary between fish and mammals as well as among fish species. In addition, feeding behavior and the action of appetite regulators can be largely modulated by the feeding and reproductive status of the fish as well as the environment in which they evolve. This review gives a brief perspective of the endocrine regulation of feeding in fish, some of the methods used, and challenges encountered when using a comparative approach.