Dr. Marta Conde Sieira from the University of Vigo, Spain, spent 10 days in the Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters (IAPW) in May 2026, working on the TNA project called „Behavioural effects of endocannabinoid system modulation on diet-driven feeding responses in rainbow trout“ which was carried out as part of the AQUASERV project.
Marta, together with the IAPW team led by Dr. Hung Quang Tran, investigated the behavior of rainbow trout fed different diets and the mechanisms through which the endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates food intake in fish.
Specifically, the study evaluated how ECS modulation through CB1 receptor antagonism influences feeding responses to diets with different organoleptic properties, including a control diet, a palatable diet (positive control), and an aversive diet. Trouts were monitored during the periprandial period to quantify behavioral parameters, including latency to feed, feeding events, feeder proximity, pellet ingestion dynamics, olfactory perception, swimming speed, movement heatmaps, and aggressive interactions.
The findings demonstrated that the machine-learning technique implemented by IAPW is a valuable tool for assessing the behavior of aquatic animals. Although further results will be generated following analyses conducted by both partners, the study provides insights into the behavioral mechanisms through which the ECS regulates food intake in rainbow trout.
The TNA access was free of charge. The AQUASERV project pays for the experimental costs as well as the travel and subsistence costs.
More information about the AQUASERV project and its TNA program can be found here.
Funded by the European Commission under grant agreement No 101131121, AQUASERV project
