Article,
On the predictability, sensitization, and habituation of aggression in male bettas (Betta splendens)
Journal of Comparative Psychology, 108 (1): 45--57 (March 1994)
Abstract
The winners of dyadic contests between male bettas were fish that in a 30-min prefight test spent a greater amount of time approaching a conspecific male that was confined behind clear glass. Approach duration was shown also to be a stable characteristic over periods as long as 30 days. Finally, approach durations and fight outcomes were influenced by both prior fighting and exposure to conspecifics behind glass. The nature of this influence, however, was dependent on the duration of an animal's approach duration in a 30-min pretreatment test. Fish with low approach durations were influenced far more extensively by social experiences than were animals with high approach durations. These studies are discussed with reference to theories of opponent assessment and the habituation and sensitization of aggression and in the context of some ethically phrased criticisms previously directed at investigations of aggression and predation.
