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Alex D, Cardoso SD, Ramos A, Gonçalves D. Behavioral and endocrine responses to noninteractive live and video conspecifics in males of the Siamese fighting fish. Curr Zool 2023; 69:568-577. [PMID: 37637314 PMCID: PMC10449422 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological mechanisms underlying variation in aggression in fish remain poorly understood. One possibly confounding variable is the lack of standardization in the type of stimuli used to elicit aggression. The presentation of controlled stimuli in videos, a.k.a. video playback, can provide better control of the fight components. However, this technique has produced conflicting results in animal behavior studies and needs to be carefully validated. For this, a similar response to the video and an equivalent live stimulus needs to be demonstrated. Further, different physiological responses may be triggered by live and video stimuli, and it is important to demonstrate that video images elicit appropriate physiological reactions. Here, the behavioral and endocrine responses of male Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens to a matched-for-size conspecific fighting behind a one-way mirror, presented live or through video playback, were compared. The video playback and live stimulus elicited a strong and similar aggressive response by the focal fish, with a fight structure that started with stereotypical threat displays and progressed to overt attacks. Postfight plasma levels of the androgen 11-ketotestosterone were elevated as compared to controls, regardless of the type of stimuli. Cortisol also increased in response to the video images, as previously described for live fights in this species. These results show that the interactive component of a fight and its resolution are not needed to trigger an endocrine response to aggression in this species. The study also demonstrates for the first time in a fish a robust endocrine response to video stimuli and supports the use of this technique for researching aggressive behavior in B. splendens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Alex
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
| | - Sara D Cardoso
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
| | - Andreia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
| | - David Gonçalves
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 106, Macao SAR, China
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2
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Scaia MF, Trudeau VL, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. Fighting cichlids: An integrated multimodal analysis to understand female and male aggression in Cichlasoma dimerus. Horm Behav 2023; 148:105301. [PMID: 36623433 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aggression has been historically linked to males and androgen levels and, even if females from different species also display aggressive behavior, female aggression is still widely understudied. The aim of the present work is to disentangle how sex differences in social plasticity can be explained by sex steroid hormone levels, gonadal state and/or morphometric characteristics. In this context, we performed intrasexual dyadic encounters to identify social plasticity after acquiring a winner or loser status in males and females of Cichlasoma dimerus. This integral analysis suggests that the reproductive and hormonal variables analyzed explain the behavioral variation among winner and loser males and females, and that there are significant differences between sexes and contest outcome when individual morphometric variables are excluded from the analysis. Interestingly, there are no sex differences in aggressive and submissive behaviors, and clustering into winners and losers is mainly explained by specific behavioral displays, such as bites, chases, approaches, passive copings, and escapes. Correlation heatmaps show a positive correlation between estradiol with aggression and a negative correlation with submission, suggesting estrogens may have a dual role regulating agonistic behavior. Finally, these results suggest that size difference can help to understand aggression in females but not in males, and that assessment of the opponent's body size is important to understand aggression also before the initiation of the contest in both sexes. Overall, this study constitutes an integral approach adding insights into the importance of reproductive and hormonal variables to understand social plasticity in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada, CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de 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, Argentina.
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Gustavo Manuel Somoza
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina; Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (UNSAM). Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada, CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de 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, Argentina
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3
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Kareklas K, Kunc HP, Arnott G. Complex strategies: an integrative analysis of contests in Siamese fighting fish. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:59. [PMID: 37170148 PMCID: PMC10127297 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Animals use contests to attain resources and employ strategic decisions to minimise contest costs. These decisions are defined by behavioural response to resource value and competitive ability, but remain poorly understood. This is because the two factors are typically studied separately. Also, their study relies on overgeneralised assumptions that (i) strategies are fixed, (ii) modulated by the motivation or drive to fight and (iii) used to manage costs proportional to the timing of the loser’s retreat. To address these problems, we adopt an integrative sequential analysis that incorporates competitive ability and resource value factors, to characterise territorial contest decisions in male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens).
Results
Individuals exhibited a chronological organisation of behaviour, engaging opponents first with frontal display, then switching to lateral display before deciding to attack, and reserved retreats for later stages. Using asymmetries in retreats as a proxy for outcome, the likelihood of winning was found to be mostly dependent on display. However, resource and contest conditions affected initiation latency, display, attack and retreat, suggesting that strategic decisions influence all behaviour. Overall, sequential behaviour varied consistently with individual aggressiveness and resource-value factors, and increasingly with information on competitive ability collected during the contest. This enabled shifts in tactics, such as disadvantaged individuals responding first with aggression and later with submission. Motivation to continue fighting, after interruption by startle, was also adjusted to information gathered during the contest and progressively with energetic state. Two clusters of correlated behaviours were identified, cost-mitigation (display and retreat) and escalation (initiation and attack), but changes in motivation were associated only with cost mitigation.
Conclusions
Our findings contrast dominant assumptions that strategic decisions are fixed, controlled by motivational state and sufficiently described by outcome-dependent measures. We instead demonstrate that strategic decisions are complex, comprising functional changes in assessment, information use and motivational effects, which are not always inter-dependent.
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Zhang W, Wang H, Brandt DYC, Hu B, Sheng J, Wang M, Luo H, Li Y, Guo S, Sheng B, Zeng Q, Peng K, Zhao D, Jian S, Wu D, Wang J, Zhao G, Ren J, Shi W, van Esch JHM, Klingunga S, Nielsen R, Hong Y. The genetic architecture of phenotypic diversity in the Betta fish ( Betta splendens). SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4955. [PMID: 36129976 PMCID: PMC9491723 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Betta fish displays a remarkable variety of phenotypes selected during domestication. However, the genetic basis underlying these traits remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and resequencing of 727 individuals representing diverse morphotypes of the Betta fish. We show that current breeds have a complex domestication history with extensive introgression with wild species. Using a genome-wide association study, we identify the genetic basis of multiple traits, including coloration patterns, the "Dumbo" phenotype with pectoral fin outgrowth, extraordinary enlargement of body size that we map to a major locus on chromosome 8, the sex determination locus that we map to dmrt1, and the long-fin phenotype that maps to the locus containing kcnj15. We also identify a polygenic signal related to aggression, involving multiple neural system-related genes such as esyt2, apbb2, and pank2. Our study provides a resource for developing the Betta fish as a genetic model for morphological and behavioral research in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Hongru Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Débora Y. C. Brandt
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Beijuan Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Junqing Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mengnan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Haijiang Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yahui Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Shujie Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Bin Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Kou Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Daxian Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shaoqing Jian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Di Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Guang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jun Ren
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wentian Shi
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72074, Germany
| | - Joep H. M. van Esch
- Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam 3015, Netherlands
| | - Sirawut Klingunga
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-1165, Denmark
| | - Yijiang Hong
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
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5
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Oliveira JA, da Silva Souza JG, de Jesus Paula DA, Carmo Rodrigues Virote BD, Murgas LDS. Oxytocin reduces the frequency of aggressive behaviours in male betta fish (Betta splendens). Behav Processes 2022; 200:104689. [PMID: 35718243 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of visual isolation and the influence of oxytocin on the aggressive behaviour of male Betta splendens and produce an ethogram for analyses. In the first stage, the fish (n=6) were kept for 60 days in a recirculation system, maintaining visual contact. After this period, the mirror test was applied. The same procedure was performed with the same individuals after 30 days of visual isolation. Visual isolation did no effect on the aggressive behaviour. Application of oxytocin (2.5µg/g) for 1h (twice) in this first stage was also conducted after the mirror test. The effect of exposure to oxytocin was evaluated by applying the mirror test 24hours after the second exposure. The second stage was conducted with another 10 individuals exposed to oxytocin (7.5µg/g) for 1h, after which the mirror test was performed. Exposure to oxytocin (2.5µg/g) did not effect on combat-related behaviours. However, in the second stage influenced all behaviours related to combat and display, with an increase in the frequency of "rest" behaviour. The results indicate that exposure to a neuropeptide at a dose of 7.5µg/g reduces the frequency of aggressive behaviour of male Betta splendens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Alvarenga Oliveira
- Department of Biology, Natural Sciences Institute of Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Rua Doutor Silvio Menicucci, s/n, Lavras 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Gilmar da Silva Souza
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Rua Doutor Silvio Menicucci, s/n, Lavras 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniella Aparecida de Jesus Paula
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Rua Doutor Silvio Menicucci, s/n, Lavras 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara do Carmo Rodrigues Virote
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Rua Doutor Silvio Menicucci, s/n, Lavras 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luis David Solis Murgas
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine of Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Rua Doutor Silvio Menicucci, s/n, Lavras 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Panthum T, Jaisamut K, Singchat W, Ahmad SF, Kongkaew L, Wongloet W, Dokkaew S, Kraichak E, Muangmai N, Duengkae P, Srikulnath K. Something Fishy about Siamese Fighting Fish ( Betta splendens) Sex: Polygenic Sex Determination or a Newly Emerged Sex-Determining Region? Cells 2022; 11:1764. [PMID: 35681459 PMCID: PMC9179492 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Fishes provide a unique and intriguing model system for studying the genomic origin and evolutionary mechanisms underlying sex determination and high sex-chromosome turnover. In this study, the mode of sex determination was investigated in Siamese fighting fish, a species of commercial importance. Genome-wide SNP analyses were performed on 75 individuals (40 males and 35 females) across commercial populations to determine candidate sex-specific/sex-linked loci. In total, 73 male-specific loci were identified and mapped to a 5.6 kb region on chromosome 9, suggesting a putative male-determining region (pMDR) containing localized dmrt1 and znrf3 functional sex developmental genes. Repeat annotations of the pMDR revealed an abundance of transposable elements, particularly Ty3/Gypsy and novel repeats. Remarkably, two out of the 73 male-specific loci were located on chromosomes 7 and 19, implying the existence of polygenic sex determination. Besides male-specific loci, five female-specific loci on chromosome 9 were also observed in certain populations, indicating the possibility of a female-determining region and the polygenic nature of sex determination. An alternative explanation is that male-specific loci derived from other chromosomes or female-specific loci in Siamese fighting fish recently emerged as new sex-determining loci during domestication and repeated hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitipong Panthum
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Kitipong Jaisamut
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Worapong Singchat
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- The International Undergraduate Program in Bioscience and Technology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Lalida Kongkaew
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wongsathit Wongloet
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Sahabhop Dokkaew
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
| | - Ekaphan Kraichak
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Department of Botany, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Narongrit Muangmai
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (T.P.); (K.J.); (W.S.); (S.F.A.); (L.K.); (W.W.); (E.K.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- The International Undergraduate Program in Bioscience and Technology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University-Kasetsart University, Kasetsart University, (CASTNAR, NRU-KU, Thailand), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
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Ramos A, Gonçalves D. Selection for winners impacts the endocrine system in the Siamese fighting fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 318:113988. [PMID: 35151726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.113988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In southeast Asia, males of the Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, have been selected across centuries for winning paired staged fights and previous work has shown that males from fighter strains are more aggressive than wild-types. This strong directional selection for winners is likely to have targeted aggression-related endocrine systems, and a comparison between fighter and wild-type strains can bring into evidence the key hormones implicated in aggression. Here, we compared the plasma levels of the androgen 11-ketotestosterone (KT) and of the corticosteroid cortisol (F) in F2 males of a fighter and a wild-type strain raised under similar laboratory conditions. We show that F was generally lower in fighter as compared with wild-type males, while no overall differences in KT levels were detected between strains. When presented with a mirror-induced aggressive challenge, post-fight levels of F increased but more significantly so in wild-type males, while KT increased in males of both strains. After the challenge, fighter males had higher levels of KT as compared with wild-type males, while the pattern for F was opposite. As compared with animals in social groups, wild-type males placed under social isolation had lower F levels, while KT decreased for fighters. Taken together, this data suggests that while wild-type males responded to aggression with an increase in circulating levels of both androgens and corticosteroids, males selected for winning fights maintained a blunt F response, increasing only KT levels. These data agree with the hypothesis that a combination of high levels of androgens and low levels of corticosteroids is associated with high aggression. Overall, these results seem to indicate that selection for winning had a stronger impact in the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis than in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in B. splendens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ramos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 16, Macao
| | - D Gonçalves
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Rua de Londres 16, Macao.
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8
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Pandolfi M, Scaia MF, Fernandez MP. Sexual Dimorphism in Aggression: Sex-Specific Fighting Strategies Across Species. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:659615. [PMID: 34262439 PMCID: PMC8273308 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.659615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is thought to have evolved as a strategy for gaining access to resources such as territory, food, and potential mates. Across species, secondary sexual characteristics such as competitive aggression and territoriality are considered male-specific behaviors. However, although female–female aggression is often a behavior that is displayed almost exclusively to protect the offspring, multiple examples of female–female competitive aggression have been reported in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Moreover, cases of intersexual aggression have been observed in a variety of species. Genetically tractable model systems such as mice, zebrafish, and fruit flies have proven extremely valuable for studying the underlying neuronal circuitry and the genetic architecture of aggressive behavior under laboratory conditions. However, most studies lack ethological or ecological perspectives and the behavioral patterns available are limited. The goal of this review is to discuss each of these forms of aggression, male intrasexual aggression, intersexual aggression and female intrasexual aggression in the context of the most common genetic animal models and discuss examples of these behaviors in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Pandolfi
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Scaia
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Paz Fernandez
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Ramos A, Alex D, Cardoso SD, Gonçalves D. Androgens and corticosteroids increase in response to mirror images and interacting conspecifics in males of the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens. Horm Behav 2021; 132:104991. [PMID: 33984609 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.104991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The role of hormones as modulators of aggressive behavior in fish remains poorly understood. Androgens and corticosteroids, in particular, have been associated with aggressive behavior in fish but it is still not clear if animals adjust the secretion of these hormones to regulate behavior during ongoing fights, in response to fight outcomes in order to adjust aggressive behavior in subsequent fights, or both. With its stereotyped displays and high aggression levels, the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens is an excellent model to investigate this question. Here, we compared the behavioral and endocrine response of male B. splendens to fights where there is no winner or loser by presenting them with a size-matched live interacting conspecific behind a transparent partition or with a mirror image. The aggressive response started with threat displays that were overall similar in frequency and duration towards both types of stimuli. Fights transitioned to overt attacks and interacting with a live conspecific elicited a higher frequency of attempted bites and head hits, as compared with the mirror image. There was a pronounced increase in plasma androgens (11-ketotestosterone and testosterone) and corticosteroids (cortisol) levels in response to the aggression challenge, independent of stimulus type. Post-fight intra-group levels of these hormones did not correlate with measures of physical activity or aggressive behavior. A linear discriminant analysis including all behavioral and endocrine data was a poor classifier of fish from the conspecific and mirror trials, showing that overall the behavioral and endocrine response to mirror images and conspecifics was similar. The results show that fight resolution is not necessary to induce an evident increase in peripheral levels of androgens and corticosteroids in B. splendens. However, the function of these hormones during present and future aggressive contests remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao.
| | - Deepa Alex
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao.
| | - Sara D Cardoso
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao.
| | - David Gonçalves
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao.
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da Silva MC, Canário AVM, Hubbard PC, Gonçalves DMF. Physiology, endocrinology and chemical communication in aggressive behaviour of fishes. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:1217-1233. [PMID: 33410154 PMCID: PMC8247941 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fishes show remarkably diverse aggressive behaviour. Aggression is expressed to secure resources; adjusting aggression levels according to context is key to avoid negative consequences for fitness and survival. Nonetheless, despite its importance, the physiological basis of aggression in fishes is still poorly understood. Several reports suggest hormonal modulation of aggression, particularly by androgens, but contradictory studies have been published. Studies exploring the role of chemical communication in aggressive behaviour are also scant, and the pheromones involved remain to be unequivocally characterized. This is surprising as chemical communication is the most ancient form of information exchange and plays a variety of other roles in fishes. Furthermore, the study of chemical communication and aggression is relevant at the evolutionary, ecological and economic levels. A few pioneering studies support the hypothesis that aggressive behaviour, at least in some teleosts, is modulated by "dominance pheromones" that reflect the social status of the sender, but there is little information on the identity of the compounds involved. This review aims to provide a global view of aggressive behaviour in fishes and its underlying physiological mechanisms including the involvement of chemical communication, and discusses the potential use of dominance pheromones to improve fish welfare. Methodological considerations and future research directions are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Coelho da Silva
- CCMAR – Centro e Ciências do MarUniversidade do AlgarveFaroPortugal
- ISE – Institute of Science and EnvironmentUniversity of Saint JosephMacauChina
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Laopichienpong N, Ahmad SF, Singchat W, Suntronpong A, Pongsanarm T, Jangtarwan K, Bulan J, Pansrikaew T, Panthum T, Ariyaraphong N, Subpayakom N, Dokkaew S, Muangmai N, Duengkae P, Srikulnath K. Complete mitochondrial genome of Mekong fighting fish, Betta smaragdina (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES 2021; 6:776-778. [PMID: 33796646 PMCID: PMC7971318 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2021.1882893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Mekong fighting fish (Betta smaragdina) are found in Northeast Thailand. A complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of B. smaragdina was assembled and annotated. Mitogenome sequences were 16,372 bp in length, with slight AT bias (59.8%), containing 37 genes with identical order to most teleost mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis of B. smaragdina showed closer relationship with B. splendens and B. mahachaiensis as the bubble-nesting group, compared to the mouthbrooder group (B. apollon, B. simplex, and B. pi). Results will allow the creation of a reference annotated genome that can be utilized to sustain biodiversity and eco-management of betta bioresources to improve conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nararat Laopichienpong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Worapong Singchat
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aorarat Suntronpong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tavun Pongsanarm
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kornsuang Jangtarwan
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jakaphan Bulan
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Pansrikaew
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thitipong Panthum
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattakan Ariyaraphong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Navapong Subpayakom
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sahabhop Dokkaew
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narongrit Muangmai
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University-Kasetsart University (CASTNAR, NRU-KU), Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, Thailand.,Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, Japan
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12
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Overview of the betta fish genome regarding species radiation, parental care, behavioral aggression, and pigmentation model relevant to humans. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:91-104. [PMID: 33515118 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-01027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens, also known as the betta) is well known in aquarium markets, and also presents an exciting new research model for studying parental care, aggressive behavior, and cryptically diverse pigmentation. However, concentrated efforts are required, both in the context of conservation biology and in its genetics, to address the problems of ongoing outbreeding depression, loss of biodiversity, and lack of scientific biological information. OBJECTIVE The evolutionary dynamics of the betta must be better understood at the genomic scale in order to resolve the phylogenetic status of unrecognized species, develop molecular markers to study variation in traits, and identify interesting sets of genes encoding various bioresource functions. METHODS The recent revolution in multi-omics approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics has uncovered genetic diversity and gained insights into many aspects of betta bioresources. RESULTS Here, we present current research and future plans in an ongoing megaproject to characterize the betta genome as de novo assemblies, genes and repeat annotations, generating data to study diverse biological phenomena. We highlight key questions that require answers and propose new directions and recommendations to develop bioresource management to protect and enhance the betta genus. CONCLUSION Successful accomplishment of these plans will allow the creation of a reference annotated genome and provide valuable information at the molecular level that can be utilized to sustain biodiversity and eco-management of the betta to improve breeding programs for future biomedical research.
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Singchat W, Ahmad SF, Laopichienpong N, Suntronpong A, Pongsanarm T, Panthum T, Ariyaraphong N, Subpayakom N, Dokkaew S, Muangmai N, Duengkae P, Srikulnath K. Complete mitochondrial genome of Mahachai betta, Betta mahachaiensis (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES 2020; 5:3059-3061. [PMID: 33458058 PMCID: PMC7782258 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1797578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mahachai bettas (Betta mahachaiensis) are distributed in areas of brackish water with Nipa Palms in Samut Sakhon, Thailand but urbanization is restricting their biodiversity. A complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of B. mahachaiensis was determined to support conservation programs. Mitogenome sequences were 16,980 bp in length with slight AT bias (61.91%), containing 37 genes with identical order to most teleost mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis of B. mahachaiensis showed a closer relationship with B. splendens. Results will allow the creation of a reference annotated genome that can be utilized to sustain biodiversity and eco-management of the betta to improve conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worapong Singchat
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Nararat Laopichienpong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Aorarat Suntronpong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Tavun Pongsanarm
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Thitipong Panthum
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Nattakan Ariyaraphong
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Navapong Subpayakom
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Sahabhop Dokkaew
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Narongrit Muangmai
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University-Kasetsart University, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, Thailand.,Amphibian Research Center, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama, Japan
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