Some determinants of aggressive and predatory responses in Betta splendens
Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 95 (2):
220--227 (April 1981)Abstract
In an initial investigation, the frequency of threat displays by 9 adult male Betta splendens was positively correlated with the size of stimulus guppies, and biting attacks were negatively correlated with guppy size. In 4 subsequent experiments (42 Ss), these results were confirmed and extended. Satiety and food deprivation changed the frequency of biting attacks without affecting threat-display frequency. Conversely, prolonged exposure to a mirror decreased threat-display frequency without affecting biting attacks. It is concluded that aggressive and predatory behaviors are relatively independent with respect to causal factors.