Approach tendency and threat display as related to social status of Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens
Animal Learning and Behavior, 3 (2):
135--139 (May 1975)Abstract
48 male Siamese fighting fish were assigned to 3 groups of 16 (8 pairs) each. In 2 of the groups, pairs of fish were first allowed to fight until a dominance-subordinance relationship was established. Then each S was tested on measures of time spent in approach and threat display toward either (a) its own pair member, with which it was experienced and familiar (Group EF) or (b) another combat-experienced fish, with which it was unfamiliar (Group EU). A 3rd group of inexperienced and unfamiliar Ss (Group IU) were first exposed to their own mirror images and then tested for approach and threat-display duration. Pairs of these fish were then allowed to fight until dominance was determined. Results show that (a) dominant Ss approached and displayed significantly more than subordinates in all 3 groups; (b) dominant Ss of Group IU did not differ significantly from dominants in the other 2 groups with respect to time spent in approach and display; and (c) fish exposed to mirrors prior to combat required significantly fewer sessions to establish dominance than fish not receiving mirror exposure. Results suggest that dominant fish can be distinguished on the basis of their approach tendency and threat-display scores prior to actual physical combat. An habituation model of dominance determination is proposed.