Neuropeptide Y stimulates food intake and regulates metabolism in grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus

► We synthesized fish specific NPY according to the sequence cloned. ► The role of ICV administration of NPY and the expression of key genes were measured. ► NPY affects food intake, and has marked effects on energy metabolism in grass carp. ► NPY acts as an orexigenic factor in the grass carp, and Y8b may involve in the feeding regulation.