Extended light exposure coupled with binge-like feeding impactsmood-associated and cognitive behaviors in zebrafish

Circadian rhythms are fundamental biological regulators, and their disruption is implicated in multiple neurological and metabolic disorders. The present study investigated the combined impact of altered photoperiods and late-night binge-like feeding on behavioral and physiological outcomes, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model to mimic human circadian misalignment. A comprehensive battery of behavioral assays was employed to capture multiple dimensions of neurobehavioral function. These included the alarm pheromone test to evaluate innate defense responses, the novel tank diving test and light-dark preference test to assess anxiety-like behavior, the mirror-biting assay to measure aggression-like tendencies, and the Y-maze paradigms to probe spatial memory, and working memory performance. Our results show that the combined circadian disruption was associated with alterations in anxiety-like behaviour and threat perception, as well as a notable decline in working and spatial memory. By demonstrating that zebrafish exhibit measurable changes in anxiety, aggression, and cognitive performance under disrupted circadian conditions, this work provides novel insights into how lifestyle factors, such as irregular light exposure and late-night eating, may contribute to neurobehavioral dysfunction.