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Shelton DS, Suriyampola PS, Dinges ZM, Glaholt SP, Shaw JR, Martins EP. Plants buffer some of the effects of a pair of cadmium-exposed zebrafish on the un-exposed majority. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104419. [PMID: 38508506 PMCID: PMC11042042 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Certain individuals have a disproportionate effect on group responses. Characteristics may include susceptibility to pollutants, such as cadmium (Cd), a potent trace metal. Here, we show how a pair of Cd-exposed individuals can impact the behavior of unexposed groups. We used behavioral assessments to characterize the extent of the effects of the Cd-exposed individuals on group boldness, cohesion, foraging, activity, and responses to plants. We found that groups with a pair of Cd-exposed fish remained closer to novel stimuli and plants than did groups with untreated (control) fish. The presence of plants reduced Cd-induced differences in shoal cohesion and delays feeding in male shoals. Shoals with Cd- and water-treated fish were equally active. The results suggest that fish acutely exposed to environmentally relevant Cd concentrations can have profound effects on the un-exposed majority. However, the presence of plants may mitigate the effects of contaminants on some aspects of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia S Shelton
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, 1301 Memorial Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA.
| | - Piyumika S Suriyampola
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Zoe M Dinges
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Stephen P Glaholt
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 E 10th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Joseph R Shaw
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 1315 E 10th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Emília P Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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2
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Sen Sarma O, Frymus N, Axling F, Thörnqvist PO, Roman E, Winberg S. Optimizing zebrafish rearing-Effects of fish density and environmental enrichment. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1204021. [PMID: 37456810 PMCID: PMC10340554 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1204021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite its popularity in research, there is very little scientifically validated knowledge about the best practices on zebrafish (Danio rerio) husbandry, which has led to several facilities having their own husbandry protocols. This study was performed to expand knowledge on the effects of enrichment and fish density on the welfare of zebrafish, with hopes of providing a scientific basis for future recommendations and legislations. Methods Zebrafish were reared at three different stocking densities, (1, 3 or 6 fish/L), in tanks with or without environmental enrichment. Agonistic behavior was observed twice a week for 9 weeks directly in the housing tanks. Aspects of welfare is known to be reflected in neuroendocrine stress responses. Thus, cortisol secretion in response to lowering the water level was analyzed for each group. In addition, we assessed cortisol secretion in response to confinement and risk-taking behavior (boldness) using the novel tank diving test for individual fish. At termination of the experiment fish were subjected to stress by transfer to a novel environment and brain tissue was sampled for analysis of brain monoaminergic activity. Results Fish kept at the lowest density (1 fish/L) showed a significantly higher level of aggression than fish kept at 3 or 6 fish/L. Moreover, fish kept at this low density showed significantly higher cortisol secretion on a group level than fish kept at the higher stocking densities, when subjected to lowering of the water level. Keeping fish at 1 fish/L also had effects on brain monoamines, these fish showing higher brain dopamine concentrations but lower dopamine turnover than fish kept at higher densities. Neither stocking density or enrichment had any clear effects on the behavior of individual fish in the novel tank diving test. However, fish kept at high densities showed lower and more variable growth rates than fish kept at 1 fish/L. Discussion Taken together these results suggest that zebrafish should not be kept at a density of 1 fish/L. The optimal stocking density is likely to be in the range of 3-6 fish/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oly Sen Sarma
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Natalia Frymus
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Axling
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Erika Roman
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Lee CJ, Paull GC, Tyler CR. Improving zebrafish laboratory welfare and scientific research through understanding their natural history. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1038-1056. [PMID: 34983085 PMCID: PMC9303617 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globally, millions of zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used for scientific laboratory experiments for which researchers have a duty of care, with legal obligations to consider their welfare. Considering the growing use of the zebrafish as a vertebrate model for addressing a diverse range of scientific questions, optimising their laboratory conditions is of major importance for both welfare and improving scientific research. However, most guidelines for the care and breeding of zebrafish for research are concerned primarily with maximising production and minimising costs and pay little attention to the effects on welfare of the environments in which the fish are maintained, or how those conditions affect their scientific research. Here we review the physical and social conditions in which laboratory zebrafish are kept, identifying and drawing attention to factors likely to affect their welfare and experimental science. We also identify a fundamental lack knowledge of how zebrafish interact with many biotic and abiotic features in their natural environment to support ways to optimise zebrafish health and well-being in the laboratory, and in turn the quality of scientific data produced. We advocate that the conditions under which zebrafish are maintained need to become a more integral part of research and that we understand more fully how they influence experimental outcome and in turn interpretations of the data generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole J. Lee
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope BuildingUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDU.K.
| | - Gregory C. Paull
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope BuildingUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDU.K.
| | - Charles R. Tyler
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope BuildingUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDU.K.
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4
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Scaia MF, Akinrinade I, Petri G, Oliveira RF. Sex Differences in Aggression Are Paralleled by Differential Activation of the Brain Social Decision-Making Network in Zebrafish. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:784835. [PMID: 35250500 PMCID: PMC8890505 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.784835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although aggression is more prevalent in males, females also express aggressive behaviors and in specific ecological contexts females can be more aggressive than males. The aim of this work is to assess sex differences in aggression and to characterize the patterns of neuronal activation of the social-decision making network (SDMN) in response to intra-sexual aggression in both male and female zebrafish. Adult fish were exposed to social interaction with a same-sex opponent and all behavioral displays, latency, and time of resolution were quantified. After conflict resolution, brains were sampled and sex differences on functional connectivity throughout the SDMN were assessed by immunofluorescence of the neuronal activation marker pS6. Results suggest that both sexes share a similar level of motivation for aggression, but female encounters show shorter conflict resolution and a preferential use of antiparallel displays instead of overt aggression, showing a reduction of putative maladaptive effects. Although there are no sex differences in the neuronal activation in any individual brain area from the SDMN, agonistic interactions increased neuronal activity in most brain areas in both sexes. Functional connectivity was assessed using bootstrapped adjacency matrices that capture the co-activation of the SDMN nodes. Male winners increased the overall excitation and showed no changes in inhibition across the SDMN, whereas female winners and both male and female losers showed a decrease in both excitation and inhibition of the SDMN in comparison to non-interacting control fish. Moreover, network centrality analysis revealed both shared hubs, as well as sex-specific hubs, between the sexes for each social condition in the SDMN. In summary, a distinct neural activation pattern associated with social experience during fights was found for each sex, suggesting a sex-specific differential activation of the social brain as a consequence of social experience. Overall, our study adds insights into sex differences in agonistic behavior and on the neuronal architecture of intrasexual aggression in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada—CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología y Comportamiento, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ibukun Akinrinade
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giovanni Petri
- ISI Foundation and ISI Global Science Foundation, Torino, Italy
| | - Rui F. Oliveira
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- ISPA– Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Rui F. Oliveira
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5
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Stevens CH, Reed BT, Hawkins P. Enrichment for Laboratory Zebrafish-A Review of the Evidence and the Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030698. [PMID: 33807683 PMCID: PMC8001412 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The zebrafish is one of the most commonly used animals in scientific research, but there remains a lack of consensus over good practice for zebrafish housing and care. One such area which lacks agreement is whether laboratory zebrafish should be provided with environmental enrichment—additions or modifications to the basic laboratory environment which aim to improve welfare, such as plastic plants in tanks. The need for the provision of appropriate environmental enrichment has been recognised in other laboratory animal species, but some scientists and animal care staff are hesitant to provide enrichment for zebrafish, arguing that there is little or no evidence that enrichment can benefit zebrafish welfare. This review aims to summarise the current literature on the effects of enrichment on zebrafish physiology, behaviour and welfare, and identifies some forms of enrichment which are likely to benefit zebrafish. It also considers the possible challenges that might be associated with introducing more enrichment, and how these might be addressed. Abstract Good practice for the housing and care of laboratory zebrafish Danio rerio is an increasingly discussed topic, with focus on appropriate water quality parameters, stocking densities, feeding regimes, anaesthesia and analgesia practices, methods of humane killing, and more. One area of current attention is around the provision of environmental enrichment. Enrichment is accepted as an essential requirement for meeting the behavioural needs and improving the welfare of many laboratory animal species, but in general, provision for zebrafish is minimal. Some of those involved in the care and use of zebrafish suggest there is a ‘lack of evidence’ that enrichment has welfare benefits for this species, or cite a belief that zebrafish do not ‘need’ enrichment. Concerns are also sometimes raised around the practical challenges of providing enrichments, or that they may impact on the science being undertaken. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that various forms of enrichment are preferred by zebrafish over a barren tank, and that enriched conditions can improve welfare by reducing stress and anxiety. This review explores the effects that enrichment can have on zebrafish behaviour, physiology and welfare, and considers the challenges to facilities of providing more enrichment for the zebrafish they house.
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6
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Lieggi C, Kalueff AV, Lawrence C, Collymore C. The Influence of Behavioral, Social, and Environmental Factors on Reproducibility and Replicability in Aquatic Animal Models. ILAR J 2020; 60:270-288. [PMID: 32400880 PMCID: PMC7743897 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The publication of reproducible, replicable, and translatable data in studies utilizing animal models is a scientific, practical, and ethical necessity. This requires careful planning and execution of experiments and accurate reporting of results. Recognition that numerous developmental, environmental, and test-related factors can affect experimental outcomes is essential for a quality study design. Factors commonly considered when designing studies utilizing aquatic animal species include strain, sex, or age of the animal; water quality; temperature; and acoustic and light conditions. However, in the aquatic environment, it is equally important to consider normal species behavior, group dynamics, stocking density, and environmental complexity, including tank design and structural enrichment. Here, we will outline normal species and social behavior of 2 commonly used aquatic species: zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Xenopus (X. laevis and X. tropicalis). We also provide examples as to how these behaviors and the complexity of the tank environment can influence research results and provide general recommendations to assist with improvement of reproducibility and replicability, particularly as it pertains to behavior and environmental complexity, when utilizing these popular aquatic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lieggi
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China, and Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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7
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Patsiou D, Del Rio-Cubilledo C, Catarino AI, Summers S, Mohd Fahmi A, Boyle D, Fernandes TF, Henry TB. Exposure to Pb-halide perovskite nanoparticles can deliver bioavailable Pb but does not alter endogenous gut microbiota in zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:136941. [PMID: 32041050 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lead-halide perovskite nanoparticles (NPs) are a new technology, and investigation of toxicity is of considerable importance due to the potential lead (Pb) release into the environment. The aim of the study was to investigate aqueous and dietary toxicity of Pb-halide perovskite NP and Pb in zebrafish Danio rerio. Perovskite NP toxicity was evaluated in zebrafish by mortality, gene expression, histopathology, and phylogenetic analysis of gut microbiota. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to five Pb-halide perovskite NPs in parallel with Pb(NO3)2 exposures, and zebrafish adults were exposed to the three perovskite NPs that caused the strongest effect and Pb(NO3)2. No median lethal concentration (LC50) was observed for zebrafish larvae exposed to up to 200 mg/L of perovskite NPs for 96 h. Mortality, metallothionein 2 (mt2) and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ala-d) gene expression (24-h exposure) in zebrafish larvae after aqueous perovskite NPs exposures did not differ from total Pb concentration - response curves. The lack of differences in mortality and gene expression between perovskite NPs and soluble Pb after aqueous exposure suggest that toxicity from perovskite NPs can be attributed to bioavailable Pb rather than nano-specific effects. Induction of mt2 and reduction of ala-d expression levels in liver tissues showed Pb bioavailability after 2-d and 4-d dietary exposure to perovskite-spiked feeds. Changes in gut microbiota of adult zebrafish were detected after 14-d exposure to Pb-spiked food, but no changes were detected from perovskite-NP spiked food. The phylogenetic analysis identified different microbiome profiles of Pb-fed fish compared to perovskite-fed fish suggesting a different mechanism of toxicity. Exposure to Pb-halide perovskite NPs led to absorption of Pb likely from release of Pb ions rather than absorption of NPs. Pb-halide perovskite NPs can release bioavailable Pb and this needs to be considered during the development of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Patsiou
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Athinon-Souniou Ave., P.O. Box 712, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece.
| | - Cristina Del Rio-Cubilledo
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Ana Isabel Catarino
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee, Flanders Marine Institute InnovOcean site, Wandelaarkaai 7, 8400 Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Stephen Summers
- Institute of Mechanical Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Afiq Mohd Fahmi
- Institute of Mechanical Process and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; Fakulti Sains Sekitaran dan Marin, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Malaysia
| | - David Boyle
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Teresa F Fernandes
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Theodore B Henry
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; Department of Forestry Wildlife and Fisheries, and Center for Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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8
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Insensitivity to reward shifts in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and implications for assessing affective states. Anim Cogn 2019; 23:87-100. [PMID: 31722040 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-019-01318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Theory and empirical findings predict that individuals in a negative affective state are more sensitive to unexpected reward loss and less sensitive to unexpected reward gain compared to individuals in a neutral or positive affective state. We explore the use of sensitivity to reward shifts measured during successive contrast tasks as an indicator of affect in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In line with the assumption that exposure to rewarding stimuli induces a relatively positive affective state compared to exposure to stimuli that they do not prefer, we confirmed that zebrafish prefer enriched over barren environments, suggesting that the enriched environment is associated with positive affective states. We trained individuals to swim down a channel for food rewards of differing value and then presented them with unexpected increases or decreases in reward value. Contrary to our hypothesis, individuals conditioned to a high-value reward continued swimming at the same speed when reward value was downshifted, thus showing no successive negative contrast effect and appearing insensitive to reward loss. Individuals whose rewards were upshifted gradually increased their speed, but did not display successive positive contrast effects typical of sensitivity to reward gains. In both cases, housing type did not result in differences in swim time. One potential explanation is that goal-directed control of behaviour is necessary for an animal to show a successive contrast response to unexpected reward gain or loss, and the behaviour of zebrafish in this task was under habitual control, perhaps due to over-training. If so, refinements to task design and training procedures will allow further progress with this assay.
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9
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Hope BV, Hamilton TJ, Hurd PL. The submerged plus maze as an assay for studying anxiety-like behaviour in fish. MethodsX 2019; 6:1832-1837. [PMID: 31497513 PMCID: PMC6722279 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The elevated plus maze is a commonly used and well-validated test of anxiety-related behaviour in rodents. The use of fish in behavioural neuroscience paradigms is increasing, necessitating an equivalent test for studying anxiety-like behaviour in fish. Because behaviour in the elevated plus maze is driven by aversion to open space, the submerged plus maze described here uses transparent walls to elicit similar behaviour in fish. The tendency of fish to explore or avoid the sections of the maze containing transparent walls is used as proxy for anxiety level. This submerged plus maze was designed and validated for convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany V Hope
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 4-120 Katz Group Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Trevor J Hamilton
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 4-120 Katz Group Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Room 6-329, City Centre Campus, MacEwan University, 10700 - 104 Ave., Edmonton, AB T5T 4S2, Canada
| | - Peter L Hurd
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, 4-120 Katz Group Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, P217 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
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10
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Abstract
Environmental enrichment, or the enhancement of an animal’s surroundings when in captivity to maximise its wellbeing, has been increasingly applied to fish species, particularly those used commercially. Laboratory species could also benefit from enrichment, but it is not always clear what constitutes an enriched environment. The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is used widely in research and is one of the most commonly-used laboratory animals. We investigated whether changing the structural complexity of housing tanks altered the behaviour of one strain of zebrafish. Fish were kept in three treatments: (1) very enhanced (VE); (2) mildly enhanced (ME); and (3) control (CT). Level of aggression, fertilisation success, and growth were measured at regular intervals in a subset of fish in each treatment group. The VE fish were more aggressive over time than either ME or CT fish, both in the number of attacks they made against a mirror image and in their tendency to stay close to their reflection rather than avoid it. Furthermore, VE fish were shorter than CT fish by the end of the experiment, though mass was not significantly affected. There was no significant effect of treatment on fertilisation success. These findings suggest that the way in which fish are housed in the laboratory can significantly affect their behaviour, and potentially, their growth. The zebrafish is a shoaling species with a dominance hierarchy, and so may become territorial over objects placed in the tank. The enrichment of laboratory tanks should consider aspects of the species’ behaviour.
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11
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Lee CJ, Paull GC, Tyler CR. Effects of environmental enrichment on survivorship, growth, sex ratio and behaviour in laboratory maintained zebrafish Danio rerio. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:86-95. [PMID: 30443966 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment involves increasing the complexity of a fish's environment in order to improve welfare. Researchers are legally obliged to consider the welfare of laboratory animals and poor welfare may result in less robust data in experimental science. Laboratory zebrafish Danio rerio are usually kept in bare aquaria for ease of husbandry and, despite being a well-studied species, little is known about how laboratory housing affects their welfare. This study shows that environmental enrichment, in the form of the addition of gravel substratum and plants into the tank, affects survivorship, growth and behaviour in laboratory-maintained D. rerio. Larvae reared in enriched tanks had significantly higher survivorship compared with larvae reared in bare tanks. Effects of the tank conditions on growth were more variable. Females from enriched tanks had a higher body condition than females maintained in bare tanks, but intriguingly this was not the case for males, where the only difference was a more variable body condition in males maintained in bare tanks. Sex ratio in the rearing tanks did not differ between treatments. Resource monopolisation was higher for fish in enriched tanks than for those in bare tanks. Fish from enriched tanks displayed lower levels of behaviours associated with anxiety compared with fish from bare tanks when placed into a novel environment. Thus, this study demonstrates differences in welfare for D. rerio maintained under different environmental conditions with enhancements in welfare more commonly associated with tank enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole J Lee
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Gregory C Paull
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Charles R Tyler
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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12
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Ideal despotic distributions in convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)? Effects of predation risk and personality on habitat preference. Behav Processes 2019; 158:163-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Daggett JM, Brown VJ, Brennan CH. Food or friends? What motivates zebrafish (Danio rerio) performing a visual discrimination. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:190-196. [PMID: 30412739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As a model organism, zebrafish have much to offer neuroscientific research and they are increasingly being used in behavioral neuroscience, for example to study the genetics of learning and memory. As fish are often considered "less clever" than mammals, it is important to understand how they learn and to establish optimal testing conditions. In this study, we compared the efficacy of food reinforcement and social stimuli in supporting Pavlovian conditioning, Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer, and acquisition of a two-alternative forced choice visual discrimination. Although equally effective in conditioning and in motivating discrimination learning, fish responded with shorter latencies when they were anticipating food but responded for a greater number of trials when anticipating the social stimulus. After learning, the reward was changed: food-reinforcement was replaced with the social stimulus and vice versa. Performance accuracy did not change, but response latency did: the group previously rewarded with food, but now rewarded with the social stimulus, showed a decrease in response vigor. This is a negative contrast effect, which is well established in rats, but was thought to be absent in fish because they lacked goal representation. Our results show that zebrafish, like rats, do have goal representations. Furthermore, we have shown that whereas food has greater incentive salience than social stimuli, fish become satiated rapidly, but motivation to seek social stimuli is sustained. We conclude that zebrafish are well motivated by a mixed economy of social stimuli and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M Daggett
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, UK; School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University London, Mile End Rd, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Verity J Brown
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, UK.
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University London, Mile End Rd, E1 4NS, UK
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14
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Sykes DJ, Suriyampola PS, Martins EP. Recent experience impacts social behavior in a novel context by adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204994. [PMID: 30335773 PMCID: PMC6193632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals exhibit behavioral plasticity as they move between habitats seasonally, reside in fluctuating environments, or respond to human-induced environmental change. We know that physical environment during early development can have a lasting impact on behavior, and on the neural mechanisms that shape behavior. In adults, social context can have similar persistent effects on behavior and the brain. Here, we asked whether physical context impacts adult social behavior in a novel environment. We placed groups of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) in two different physical contexts. After two weeks, we measured group behavior in a novel context, and found that zebrafish with recent experience in a more-complex physical environment charged each other more often and tended to form tighter shoals than did fish that had been housed in less-complex environments. These differences were present regardless of the novel context in which we assayed behavior, and were not easily explained by differences in activity level. Our results demonstrate the impact of recent experiences on adult behavior, and highlight the importance of physical as well as social history in predicting animal behavior in novel situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delawrence J. Sykes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Piyumika S. Suriyampola
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Emília P. Martins
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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Vargas R, Mackenzie S, Rey S. 'Love at first sight': The effect of personality and colouration patterns in the reproductive success of zebrafish (Danio rerio). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203320. [PMID: 30231039 PMCID: PMC6145548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in animal personality and external appearance such as colouration patterns have both been extensively studied separately. A significant body of research has explored many of pertinent ecological and biological aspects that can be affected by them and their impact upon fitness. Currently little is known about how both factors interact and their effect on reproductive success. In this study, we evaluated two major parameters contributing to the fitness of the species: reproduction and offspring survival. We selected two different phenotypes of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) selected by their colouration patterns: phenotype 1) named Wild type, UAB line (WT-UAB) with a homogeneous colouration pattern (clear and defined lateral stripes) and phenotype 2) Wild type indefinite (WT-I) had a heterogeneous colouration pattern and different degrees of lateral stripe definition. All animals were also screened for personality. We then compared their reproductive success (spawning rate) and offspring survival at different stages, from egg to larvae, and for 2 successive generations (parental generation was G0; First and second generations were G1 and G2 respectively). Our results show that personality traits were the main source of variability between the fitness components measured: both personalities had similar total numbers of eggs spawned but proactive animals, for both colour phenotypes, had higher reproductive success. This was reflected in a higher percentage of spawning viability at 1day post fertilization (dpf), higher total survival and growth rates at larval stages. Proactive phenotypes from WT-UAB population had a higher overall fitness in comparison to the other phenotypes studied. Our findings imply that fitness of this species when kept under similar husbandry conditions is significantly influenced by parental personality and not by their external appearance. Under these conditions the reproductive success is enhanced. The implications of this study are important for zebrafish breeding and husbandry in captivity and are relevant toward understanding the underlying drivers of trait selection in natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynaldo Vargas
- Departamento de Biología Marina y Limnología, Extensión Universitaria de Aguadulce, Universidad de Panamá, Aguadulce, Coclé, República de Panamá
| | - Simon Mackenzie
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Rey
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Graham C, von Keyserlingk MA, Franks B. Zebrafish welfare: Natural history, social motivation and behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Suriyampola PS, Sykes DJ, Khemka A, Shelton DS, Bhat A, Martins EP. Water flow impacts group behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Suriyampola PS, Shelton DS, Shukla R, Roy T, Bhat A, Martins EP. Zebrafish Social Behavior in the Wild. Zebrafish 2016; 13:1-8. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2015.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Piyumika S. Suriyampola
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Delia S. Shelton
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Rohitashva Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, Mohanpur, India
| | - Tamal Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, Mohanpur, India
| | - Anuradha Bhat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, Mohanpur, India
| | - Emília P. Martins
- Department of Biology, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Roy T, Bhat A. Can outcomes of dyadic interactions be consistent across contexts among wild zebrafish? ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:150282. [PMID: 26715992 PMCID: PMC4680607 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Winner-loser relations among group-living individuals are often measured by the levels of aggressive interactions between them. These interactions are typically driven by competition for resources such as food and mates. It has been observed in recent studies on zebrafish that dominant males generally have higher total reproductive success than their less aggressive subordinate counterparts. This study aimed to test whether males who monopolized a food resource (winners) also displayed higher levels of aggression than the males who were unsuccessful (losers). Further, the study also tested whether the same 'winner' males were also able to monopolize interactions with females during courtship. The results from these experiments showed that while males monopolizing food resources (winners) demonstrated higher levels of agonistic interactions than the losers, the average number of courtship interactions initiated by either of the males (i.e. winners/losers) with a female was not significantly different. A significant relationship was obtained between the number of aggressive interactions and feeding latencies of males in the context of food monopolization. This indicated that there could be a linkage between boldness defined by feeding latency in a novel environment and agonistic responses. The probable role of nature of resources, resource availability and distribution in determining the outcomes of dyadic contests is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anuradha Bhat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741 246, India
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Bhat A, Greulich MM, Martins EP. Behavioral Plasticity in Response to Environmental Manipulation among Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Populations. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125097. [PMID: 25927838 PMCID: PMC4415955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic responses can have adaptive significance for organisms occurring in unpredictable environments, migratory species and organisms occupying novel environments. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) occur in a wide range of habitats and environments that fluctuate frequently across seasons and habitats. We expect wild populations of fish to be behaviorally more flexible than fish reared in conventional laboratory and hatchery environments. We measured three behavioral traits among 2 wild (U and PN) and 1 laboratory bred (SH) zebrafish populations in four environments differing in water flow and vegetation regimes. We found that the degree of plasticity varied with the type of behavior and also among populations. In general, vegetation increased aggression and water flow decreased latency to feed after a disturbance, but the patterns were population dependent. For example, while wild U fish fed more readily after a disturbance in vegetated and/or flowing habitats, fish from the wild PN population and lab-reared SH strain showed little variation in foraging across different environmental conditions. Zebrafish from all the three populations were more aggressive when tested in an arena with vegetation. In contrast, while there was an inter-population difference in shoaling distances, variation in shoaling distance across environmental conditions within populations was not significant. These results suggest that both foraging and aggression in zebrafish are more plastic and influenced by immediate context than is shoaling distance, which may have a stronger genetic basis. Our findings point to different underlying mechanisms influencing the expression of these traits and warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Bhat
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Kolkata, Mohanpur, India
| | - Melissa M. Greulich
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Emília P. Martins
- Department of Biology and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
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Rousseu F, Charette Y, Bélisle M. Resource defense and monopolization in a marked population of ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris). Ecol Evol 2014; 4:776-93. [PMID: 24683460 PMCID: PMC3967903 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Resource defense behavior is often explained by the spatial and temporal distribution of resources. However, factors such as competition, habitat complexity, and individual space use may also affect the capacity of individuals to defend and monopolize resources. Yet, studies frequently focus on one or two factors, overlooking the complexity found in natural settings. Here, we addressed defense and monopolization of nectar feeders in a population of free-ranging ruby-throated hummingbirds marked with passive integrated transponder (PIT tags). Our study system consisted of a 44 ha systematic grid of 45 feeders equipped with PIT tag detectors recording every visit made at feeders. We modeled the number of visits by competitors (NVC) at feeders in response to space use by a focal individual potentially defending a feeder, number of competitors, nectar sucrose concentration, and habitat visibility. Individuals who were more concentrated at certain feeders on a given day and who were more stable in their use of the grid throughout the season gained higher exclusivity in the use of those feeders on that day, especially for males competing against males. The level of spatial concentration at feeders and its negative effect on NVC was, however, highly variable among individuals, suggesting a continuum in resource defense strategies. Although the apparent capacity to defend feeders was not affected by competition or nectar sucrose concentration, the level of monopolization decreased with increasing number of competitors and higher nectar quality. Defense was enhanced by visibility near feeders, but only in forested habitats. The reverse effect of visibility in open habitats was more difficult to interpret as it was probably confounded by perch availability, from which a bird can defend its feeder. Our study is among the first to quantify the joint use of food resource by overlapping individuals unconstrained in their use of space. Our results show the importance of accounting for variation in space use among individuals as it translated into varying levels of defense and monopolization of feeders regardless of food resource distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Rousseu
- Département de biologie, Centre d'étude de la forêt and Chaire de recherche du Canada en écologie spatiale et en écologie du paysage, Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke, Qc, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Yanick Charette
- Département de biologie, Centre d'étude de la forêt and Chaire de recherche du Canada en écologie spatiale et en écologie du paysage, Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke, Qc, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Marc Bélisle
- Département de biologie, Centre d'étude de la forêt and Chaire de recherche du Canada en écologie spatiale et en écologie du paysage, Université de Sherbrooke Sherbrooke, Qc, J1K 2R1, Canada
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Oswald ME, Singer M, Robison BD. The quantitative genetic architecture of the bold-shy continuum in zebrafish, Danio rerio. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68828. [PMID: 23840902 PMCID: PMC3698077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In studies of consistent individual differences (personality) along the bold-shy continuum, a pattern of behavioral correlations frequently emerges: individuals towards the bold end of the continuum are more likely to utilize risky habitat, approach potential predators, and feed under risky conditions. Here, we address the hypothesis that observed phenotypic correlations among component behaviors of the bold-shy continuum are a result of underlying genetic correlations (quantitative genetic architecture). We used a replicated three-generation pedigree of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to study three putative components of the bold-shy continuum: horizontal position, swim level, and feeding latency. We detected significant narrow-sense heritabilities as well as significant genetic and phenotypic correlations among all three behaviors, such that fish selected for swimming at the front of the tank swam closer to the observer, swam higher in the water column, and fed more quickly than fish selected for swimming at the back of the tank. Further, the lines varied in their initial open field behavior (swim level and activity level). The quantitative genetic architecture of the bold-shy continuum indicates that the multivariate behavioral phenotype characteristic of a “bold” personality type may be a result of correlated evolution via underlying genetic correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Oswald
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Mathew Singer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Barrie D. Robison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Differential allocation by female zebrafish (Danio rerio) to different-sized males--an example in a fish species lacking parental care. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48317. [PMID: 23110229 PMCID: PMC3482219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms allocate resources to reproduction in response to the costs and benefits of current and future reproductive opportunities. According to the differential allocation hypothesis, females allocate more resources to high-quality males. We tested whether a fish species lacking parental care (zebrafish, Danio rerio) expresses male size-dependent differential allocation in monogamous spawning trials. In addition, we tested whether reproductive allocation by females is affected by previous experience of different-quality males, potentially indicating plasticity in mate choice. To that end, females were conditioned to large, small or random-sized males (controls) for 14 days to manipulate females' expectations of the future mate quality. Females showed a clear preference for large males in terms of spawning probability and clutch size independent of the conditioning treatment. However, when females experienced variation in male size (random-sized conditioning treatment) they discriminated less against small males compared to females conditioned to large and small males. This might suggest that differential allocation and size-dependent sexual selection is of less relevance in nature than revealed in the present laboratory study.
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24
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Drew RE, Settles ML, Churchill EJ, Williams SM, Balli S, Robison BD. Brain transcriptome variation among behaviorally distinct strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio). BMC Genomics 2012; 13:323. [PMID: 22817472 PMCID: PMC3434030 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domesticated animal populations often show profound reductions in predator avoidance and fear-related behavior compared to wild populations. These reductions are remarkably consistent and have been observed in a diverse array of taxa including fish, birds, and mammals. Experiments conducted in common environments indicate that these behavioral differences have a genetic basis. In this study, we quantified differences in fear-related behavior between wild and domesticated zebrafish strains and used microarray analysis to identify genes that may be associated with this variation. RESULTS Compared to wild zebrafish, domesticated zebrafish spent more time near the water surface and were more likely to occupy the front of the aquarium nearest a human observer. Microarray analysis of the brain transcriptome identified high levels of population variation in gene expression, with 1,749 genes significantly differentially expressed among populations. Genes that varied among populations belonged to functional categories that included DNA repair, DNA photolyase activity, response to light stimulus, neuron development and axon guidance, cell death, iron-binding, chromatin reorganization, and homeobox genes. Comparatively fewer genes (112) differed between domesticated and wild strains with notable genes including gpr177 (wntless), selenoprotein P1a, synaptophysin and synaptoporin, and acyl-CoA binding domain containing proteins (acbd3 and acbd4). CONCLUSIONS Microarray analysis identified a large number of genes that differed among zebrafish populations and may underlie behavioral domestication. Comparisons with similar microarray studies of domestication in rainbow trout and canids identified sixteen evolutionarily or functionally related genes that may represent components of shared molecular mechanisms underlying convergent behavioral evolution during vertebrate domestication. However, this conclusion must be tempered by limitations associated with comparisons among microarray studies and the low level of population-level replication inherent to these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Drew
- Department of Biological Sciences and Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
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Hazlerigg CRE, Lorenzen K, Thorbek P, Wheeler JR, Tyler CR. Density-dependent processes in the life history of fishes: evidence from laboratory populations of zebrafish Danio rerio. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37550. [PMID: 22655056 PMCID: PMC3360039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Population regulation is fundamental to the long-term persistence of populations and their responses to harvesting, habitat modification, and exposure to toxic chemicals. In fish and other organisms with complex life histories, regulation may involve density dependence in different life-stages and vital rates. We studied density dependence in body growth and mortality through the life-cycle of laboratory populations of zebrafish Danio rerio. When feed input was held constant at population-level (leading to resource limitation), body growth was strongly density-dependent in the late juvenile and adult phases of the life-cycle. Density dependence in mortality was strong during the early juvenile phase but declined thereafter and virtually ceased prior to maturation. Provision of feed in proportion to individual requirements (easing resource limitation) removed density dependence in growth and substantially reduced density dependence in mortality, thus indicating that ‘bottom-up’ effects act on growth as well as mortality, but most strongly on growth. Both growth and mortality played an important role in population regulation, with density-dependent growth having the greater impact on population biomass while mortality had the greatest impact on numbers. We demonstrate a clear ontogenic pattern of change in density-dependent processes within populations of a very small (maximum length 5 mm) fish, maintained in constant homogeneous laboratory conditions. The patterns are consistent with those distilled from studies on wild fish populations, indicating the presence of broad ontogenic patterns in density-dependent processes that are invariant to maximum body size and hold in homogeneous laboratory, as well as complex natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R. E. Hazlerigg
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Ascot, United Kingdom
- Ecotoxicology and Aquatic Biology Research Group, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CH); (KL)
| | - Kai Lorenzen
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Ascot, United Kingdom
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CH); (KL)
| | - Pernille Thorbek
- Syngenta, Environmental Safety, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - James R. Wheeler
- Syngenta, Environmental Safety, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Charles R. Tyler
- Ecotoxicology and Aquatic Biology Research Group, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Kistler C, Hegglin D, Würbel H, König B. Preference for structured environment in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and checker barbs (Puntius oligolepis). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Oliveira RF, Silva JF, Simões JM. Fighting zebrafish: characterization of aggressive behavior and winner-loser effects. Zebrafish 2011; 8:73-81. [PMID: 21612540 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2011.0690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggression is a key component of the behavioral repertoire of animals that impacts on their Darwinian fitness. The available genetic tools in zebrafish make this species a promising vertebrate neurogenetic model for the study of neural circuits underlying aggressive behavior. For this purpose, a detailed characterization of the aggressive behavior and its behavioral consequences is first needed. In this article we establish a simple protocol that reliably elicits the expression of fighting behavior in zebrafish dyads and characterized it. The agonistic behavior expressed during dyadic fighting behavior has a temporal structure, indicating the existence of an underlying architecture prone to genetic manipulation. Social interactions have consequences for subsequent behavior with a potential fitness impact, which stresses the validity of this species for the study of aggression. These effects of experience seem to be mediated by different mechanisms in winners and losers. Winners increase the probability of winning subsequent fights without changing their fighting behavior, suggesting the existence of social status cues. On the other hand, losers decrease the probability of winning subsequent fights by decreasing their motivation to escalate fights. Together, these results are a first step to the development of a quantitative framework for the study of aggressive behavior in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui F Oliveira
- Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada , Unidade de Investigação em Eco-Etologia, Lisboa, Portugal.
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28
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29
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Benner MJ, Drew RE, Hardy RW, Robison BD. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) vary by strain and sex in their behavioral and transcriptional responses to selenium supplementation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2010; 157:310-8. [PMID: 20659579 PMCID: PMC3047475 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2010.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We used the Nadia, Gaighatta, Scientific Hatcheries, and TM1 zebrafish (Danio rerio) strains to test the hypothesis that variation among populations influences the behavioral and transcriptional responses to selenium supplementation. When fed a diet with control levels of selenium, zebrafish strains differed significantly in behavior, characterized as their mean horizontal and vertical swimming positions within the tank. The four strains also differed in brain expression of selenoprotein P1a (sepp1a), glutathione peroxidase 3 (gpx3), thioredoxin reductase 1 (txnrd1), and tRNA selenocysteine associated protein 1 (secp43). Iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (dio2) did not differ among strains but showed a sex-specific expression pattern. When supplemented with selenium, all strains spent a greater proportion of time near the front of the tank, but the response of vertical swimming depth varied by strain. Selenium supplementation also caused changes in selenoprotein expression in the brain that varied by strain for sepp1a, secp43, and dio2, and varied by strain and sex for txnrd1. Expression of gpx3 was unaffected by selenium. Our data indicate that selenium homeostasis in the brain may be a regulator of behavior in zebrafish, and the strain-specific effects of selenium supplementation suggest that genetic heterogeneity among populations can influence the results of selenium supplementation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia J. Benner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA
| | - Robert E. Drew
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA
| | - Ronald W. Hardy
- Aquaculture Research Institute, Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, University of Idaho, 3059 National Fish Hatchery Road # F, Hagerman, ID 83332-5851, USA
| | - Barrie D. Robison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Initiative for Bioinformatics in Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA
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Filby AL, Paull GC, Bartlett EJ, Van Look KJW, Tyler CR. Physiological and health consequences of social status in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Physiol Behav 2010; 101:576-87. [PMID: 20851709 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Social status affects access to food, mates and shelter and has consequences for the physiology of individuals and their health status. In the zebrafish (Danio rerio), an emerging model for studies into animal behavior, the possible consequences of social hierarchy to an individual's physiology and health are unknown. To address this, in this species we assessed the effects of social interaction (for periods of 1-5days) on growth, stress, immune function and reproductive condition. Wide-ranging differences in physiology occurred between the social ranks, some of which were sex-related and time-dependent. In both sexes, dominant fish were larger than subordinates and dominant males had a higher growth rate during the trials. Subordinates had higher plasma cortisol and in males higher telencephalic corticotrophin-releasing hormone, neuropeptide y and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression. Splenic cytokine expression suggested differences in immune status between ranks in both sexes and hematocrit was elevated in subordinate males. In both sexes, dominants and subordinates differed in the expression of genes for various gonadal sex steroid receptors and steroidogenic enzymes and in dominant females the ovary was larger relative to body mass compared with in subordinates. Dominant males had higher plasma 11-ketotestosterone than subordinates and there was an increase in the number of spermatids in their testes over the duration of the study that was not seen in subordinate males. The wide-ranging physiological differences seen between dominant and subordinate zebrafish as a consequence of their social status suggest negative health impacts for subordinates after prolonged durations in those hierarchies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Filby
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4PS, United Kingdom.
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31
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Heg D, Taborsky M. Helper response to experimentally manipulated predation risk in the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10784. [PMID: 20520816 PMCID: PMC2877084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We manipulated predation risk in a field experiment with the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher by releasing no predator, a medium- or a large-sized fish predator inside underwater cages enclosing two to three natural groups. We assessed whether helpers changed their helping behaviour, and whether within-group conflict changed, depending on these treatments, testing three hypotheses: 'pay-to-stay' PS, 'risk avoidance' RA, or (future) reproductive benefits RB. We also assessed whether helper food intake was reduced under risk, because this might reduce investments in other behaviours to save energy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Medium and large helpers fed less under predation risk. Despite this effect helpers invested more in territory defence, but not territory maintenance, under the risk of predation (supporting PS). Experimentally covering only the breeding shelter with sand induced more helper digging under predation risk compared to the control treatment (supporting PS). Aggression towards the introduced predator did not differ between the two predator treatments and increased with group member size and group size (supporting PS and RA). Large helpers increased their help ratio (helping effort/breeder aggression received, 'punishment' by the dominant pair in the group) in the predation treatments compared to the control treatment, suggesting they were more willing to PS. Medium helpers did not show such effects. Large helpers also showed a higher submission ratio (submission/ breeder aggression received) in all treatments, compared to the medium helpers (supporting PS). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We conclude that predation risk reduces helper food intake, but despite this effect, helpers were more willing to support the breeders, supporting PS. Effects of breeder punishment suggests that PS might be more important for large compared to the medium helpers. Evidence for RA was also detected. Finally, the results were inconsistent with RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dik Heg
- Department of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
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Paull GC, Filby AL, Giddins HG, Coe TS, Hamilton PB, Tyler CR. Dominance Hierarchies in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Their Relationship with Reproductive Success. Zebrafish 2010; 7:109-17. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2009.0618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C. Paull
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Amy L. Filby
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tobias S. Coe
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charles R. Tyler
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Oswald M, Robison BD. Strain-specific alteration of zebrafish feeding behavior in response to aversive stimuli. CAN J ZOOL 2008; 86:1085-1094. [PMID: 21379405 DOI: 10.1139/z08-085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral management of risk, in which organisms must balance the requirements of obtaining food resources with the risk of predation, has been of considerable interest to ethologists for many years. Although numerous experiments have shown that animals alter their foraging behavior depending on the levels of perceived risk and demand for nutrients, few have considered the role of genetic variation in the trade-off between these variables. We performed a study of four zebrafish (Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822)) strains to test for genetic variation in foraging behavior and whether this variation affected their response to both aversive stimuli and nutrient restriction. Zebrafish strains differed significantly in their latency to begin foraging from the surface of the water under standard laboratory conditions. Fish fed sooner when nutrients were restricted, although this was only significant in the absence of aversive stimuli. Aversive stimuli caused fish to delay feeding in a strain-specific manner. Strains varied in food intake and specific growth rate, and feeding latency was significantly correlated with food intake. Our results indicate significant genetic variation in foraging behavior and the perception of risk in zebrafish, with a pattern of strain variation consistent with behavioral adaptation to captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oswald
- University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 443051, Moscow, ID 83844-3051, USA
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Abstract
Zebrafish genetics is developing at a rapid pace, and this opens up new approaches to understanding genetic control. This short review discusses recent results obtained in behavioral studies in this species, and also shows some promising ways of combining behavioral studies with modern genetic techniques. The zebrafish could provide behavioral models for understanding the neural and genetic control of species-specific behavioral patterns associated with feeding and predator avoidance. Careful experimentation may also reveal the genetic underpinning of simple cognitive processes such as habituation and memory, or lateralized control of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adám Miklósi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös University, Budapest, Pázmány Ps 1c 1117, Hungary.
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Spence R, Gerlach G, Lawrence C, Smith C. The behaviour and ecology of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2007; 83:13-34. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2007.00030.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 699] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Moretz JA, Martins EP, Robison BD. Behavioral syndromes and the evolution of correlated behavior in zebrafish. Behav Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arm011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Wright D, Ward A, Croft D, Krause J. Social Organization, Grouping, and Domestication in Fish. Zebrafish 2006; 3:141-55. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2006.3.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. Wright
- IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - A.J.W. Ward
- Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - D.P. Croft
- Institute for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - J. Krause
- Institute for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Larson ET, O'Malley DM, Melloni RH. Aggression and vasotocin are associated with dominant–subordinate relationships in zebrafish. Behav Brain Res 2006; 167:94-102. [PMID: 16213035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2005.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Revised: 08/23/2005] [Accepted: 08/25/2005] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Agonistic interactions are present throughout the animal kingdom as well as in humans. In this report, we present a model system to study neurological correlates of dominant-subordinate relationships. Zebrafish, Danio rerio, has been used as a model system for developmental biology for decades. We propose here that it is also an excellent model for studying social behavior. Adult male zebrafish were separated for 5 days and then pairs were formed and allowed to interact for 5 days. Under these conditions, aggression is prevalent and dominant-subordinate relationships are quickly established. Dominant behavior is characterized by a repeated pattern of chasing and biting, whereas subordinates engage in retreats. By day 5, the dominant-subordinate relationship was firmly established and there were differences in behavior over time. Chases, bites and retreats were all less frequent on day 5 of the social interaction than on day 1. Arginine vasotocin is the teleostean homologue of arginine vasopressin, a neuropeptide whose expression has been linked to aggression and social position in mammals. Immunohistochemistry indicated differences in vasotocin staining between dominant and subordinate individuals. Dominant individuals express vasotocin in one to three pairs of large cells in the magnocellular preoptic area whereas subordinate individuals express vasotocin in 7-11 pairs of small cells in the parvocellular preoptic area. These results suggest that the vasotocinergic system may play a role in shaping dominant-subordinate relationships and agonistic behavior in this model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earl T Larson
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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