Habituation with apparatus and group testing improves assessment of fish preferences

Journal of Fish Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 4, 2025

Abstract Preference tests are commonly used to assess fish behavior and cognition in several research fields. This study aimed investigate how perform a preference test involving extended habituation the apparatus, which was expected reduce stress. We contrasted choice between sector of apparatus with natural vegetation, be preferred stimulus, barren sector. Initially, we demonstrated that guppies' for vegetation increased after 5‐day period (Experiment 1). Subsequent experiments systematically modified testing paradigm observe effects on preference. Experiment 2 introduced physical separation sectors facilitate discrete choices, 3 tested groups fish, 4 wild guppies. Only modification impacted scores: guppies showed higher stimulus spent less time central, no‐choice apparatus. Overall, this supports importance methodological details highlights benefits group testing. Researchers should consider these factors when designing evaluate cognitive abilities or behavioral preferences fish. Tailoring paradigms specific goals can improve reliability comparability results, contributing deeper understanding welfare.

Language: Английский

Circadian Modulation of Behavioral Stress Responses in Zebrafish Is Age‐Dependent

Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A Ecological and Integrative Physiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 20, 2025

ABSTRACT In the wild, stressors occur with varying likelihood throughout day, leading animals to evolve plastic stress responses that exhibit circadian rhythmicity. mammals, studies have revealed plasticity of response may differ age. However, such developmental effects been largely overlooked in other vertebrate groups. our research, we explored presence variation daily pattern behavioral a teleost fish model: zebrafish ( Danio rerio ). We compared juvenile and adult individuals two paradigms commonly used analyze response, as open‐field test diving test. Our comparisons were conducted every 4 h during 24‐h cycle variations. Significant rhythms detected for almost all analyzed behaviors both tests. general, analyses suggested greater adults daytime juveniles night‐time, although not indicators aligned this direction. Moreover, found average differences behavior, suggesting more sensitive stress. Overall, these findings highlight importance considering non‐mammalian species like zebrafish.

Language: Английский

Circadian modulation of behavioural stress indicators varies between diurnal and nocturnal fish species

Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 106458 - 106458

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

Language: Английский