1
|
Duran E, Perea-García JO, Piepenbrock D, Veefkind C, Kret ME, Massen JJM. Preliminary evidence that eye appearance in parrots (Psittaciformes) co-varies with latitude and altitude. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12859. [PMID: 38834673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
External eye appearance in avian taxa has been proposed to be driven by social and ecological functions. Recent research in primates suggests, instead, that, photoprotective functions are important drivers of external eye appearance. Using similar methods, we examined the variation in external eye appearance of 132 parrot species (Psittaciformes) in relation to their ecology and sociality. Breeding systems, flock size and sexual dimorphism, as well as species' latitude and maximum living altitude, and estimated UV-B incidence in species' ranges were used to explore the contribution of social and ecological factors in driving external eye appearance. We measured the hue and brightness of visible parts of the eye and the difference in measurements of brightness between adjacent parts of the eye. We found no link between social variables and our measurements. We did, however, find a negative association between the brightness of the inner part of the iris and latitude and altitude. Darker inner irises were more prevalent farther away from the equator and for those species living at higher altitudes. We found no link between UV-B and brightness measurements of the iris, or tissue surrounding the eye. We speculate that these results are consistent with an adaptation for visual functions. While preliminary, these results suggest that external eye appearance in parrots is influenced by ecological, but not social factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Duran
- Department of Psychology, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Juan Olvido Perea-García
- Institute of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden, 2333 AK, The Netherlands.
| | - Diede Piepenbrock
- Animal Behaviour and Cognition, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Celine Veefkind
- Animal Behaviour and Cognition, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska E Kret
- Institute of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden, 2333 AK, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jorg J M Massen
- Animal Behaviour and Cognition, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Vogelpark Avifauna, Alphen Aan Den Rijn, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ren S, Zhang X, Pang Y, Qi Y, Huo L, Wu F, Shang Y, Xi J. RNA sequencing analysis reveals that missense mutation in SOX10 is associated with iris color phenotype in quail. Anim Genet 2024; 55:79-86. [PMID: 37905379 DOI: 10.1111/age.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences in iris color in quail, the transcriptome of iris tissue from black quail and Korean quail at day 10 of hatching was RNA sequenced in this study. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, functionally annotated and enriched after the quality control and mapping of the raw data. RT-qPCR validation was performed using EIF2S3 as an internal reference gene. The screened SNPs were studied by bioinformatics analysis and iris color correlation analysis. The results showed that there were 425 upregulated genes and 364 downregulated genes in 789 DEGs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that 139 DEGs were significantly enriched in 154 GO terms. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed that the Notch signaling pathway, melanogenesis and tyrosine metabolism were associated with pigment synthesis (p < 0.05). The expression levels of the ASIP, MLPH, PMEL, TYR and SOX10 genes were significantly different in black quail iris and Korean quail iris, as verified by RT-qPCR. The SOX10 gene c.324G>C mutation, which caused the replacement of p.Glu108Asp, had a highly significant correlation with iris color in black quail and Korean quail, which may be one of the reasons for different in iris color between these two quail species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Ren
- College of Animal Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Youzhi Pang
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Luoyang, China
| | - Yanxia Qi
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Luoyang, China
| | - Linke Huo
- College of Animal Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Fanghu Wu
- College of Animal Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shang
- College of Animal Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Jinquan Xi
- College of Animal Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mubashshir M, Ahmad N, Negi T, Sharma RB, Sköld HN, Ovais M. Exploring the mechanisms and impacts of melatonin on fish colouration. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2023; 49:1511-1525. [PMID: 37982969 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-023-01271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The pineal hormone melatonin is a multi-functional molecule with a recognized role in pigment aggregation in chromatophores, mediating its actions through binding to subtypes of its specific receptors. Since its discovery, melatonin has been known to be responsible for pigment aggregation towards the cell centre in fishes, including their embryos, as an adaptation to reduced light and thus results in pale body colouration. Diversity exists in the sensitivity of melanophores towards melatonin at interspecies, intraspecific levels, seasons, and amongst chromatophores at different regions of the animal body. In most of the fishes, melatonin leads to their skin paling at night. It is indicated that the melatonin receptors have characteristically maintained to show the same aggregating effects in fishes and other vertebrates in the evolutionary hierarchy. However, besides this aggregatory effect, melatonin is also responsible for pigment dispersion in certain fishes. Here is the demand in our review to explore further the nature of the dispersive behaviour of melatonin through the so-called β-melatonin receptors. It is clear that the pigment translocations in lower vertebrates under the effect of melatonin are mediated through the melatonin receptors coupled with other hormonal receptors as well. Therefore, being richly supplied with a variety of receptors, chromatophores and melanocytes can be used as in vitro test models for pharmacological applications of known and novel drugs. In this review, we present diverse effects of melatonin on chromatophores of fishes in particular with appropriate implications on most of the recent findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mubashshir
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India.
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India.
| | - Nabeel Ahmad
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Tripti Negi
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Renu Bala Sharma
- School of Allied Sciences, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | | | - Mohd Ovais
- Department of Bio-Science, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, MP, 462026, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Konno A, Aoki H, Suzuki E, Furuta S, Ueda S. Are dark-eyed dogs favoured by humans? Domestication as a potential driver of iris colour difference between dogs and wolves. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230854. [PMID: 38126061 PMCID: PMC10731317 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Comparative studies have shown that the eye morphology of primates has been shaped by a variety of selection pressures (e.g. communication, environmental factors). To comprehensively elucidate the complex links between ocular morphology and its evolutionary drive, attention should be paid to other phylogenetic groups. Here, we address a new question regarding the evolution of eye colour patterns in the oldest domesticated animal, namely, the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). In this study, we conducted an image analysis of dogs and their closest relatives, grey wolves (Canis lupus), to compare the colours of their irises, with the aim of assessing whether eye colours of dogs affect how humans perceived dogs. We found that the irises of dogs were significantly darker than those of wolves. We also found that facial images of dark-eyed dogs were perceived as more friendly and immature, potentially eliciting caregiving responses from humans. Our findings are consistent with our expectation that humans favour dark-eyed dogs over light-eyed ones and provide an updated hypothesis that dogs with dark eyes may have evolved by acquiring a facial trait that sends a non-threatening gaze signal to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akitsugu Konno
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hitomi Aoki
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Emiri Suzuki
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Seiya Furuta
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Sayoko Ueda
- The Mt. Fuji Institute for Nature and Biology, Showa University, Yamanashi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Svitačová K, Slavík O, Horký P. Pigmentation potentially influences fish welfare in aquaculture. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
|
6
|
Cannabidiol improves Nile tilapia cichlid fish welfare. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17650. [PMID: 36271101 PMCID: PMC9586945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21759-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a substance derived from Cannabis sativa, widely studied in medicine for controlling neural diseases in humans. Besides the positive effects on humans, it also presents anxiolytic proprieties and decreases aggressiveness and stress in mammals. Therefore, CBD has the potential to increase welfare in reared animals, as it seems to reduce negative states commonly experienced in artificial environments. Here, we tested the effect of different CBD doses (0, 1, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on aggressiveness, stress and reproductive development of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) a fish reared worldwide for farming and research purposes. CBD mixed with fish food was offered to isolated fish for 5 weeks. The 10 mg/kg dose decreased fish's aggressiveness over time, whereas 20 mg/kg attenuated non-social stress. Both doses decreased the baseline cortisol level of fish and increased the gonadosomatic index. However, CBD 1 and 10 mg/kg doses decreased the spermatozoa number. No CBD dose affected feeding ingestion and growth variables, showing that it is not harmful to meat production amount. Despite the effect on spermatozoa, CBD supplementation exhibits high potential to benefit animals' lives in artificial environments. Therefore, we showed for the first time that CBD could be used as a tool to increase non-mammal welfare, presenting a great potential to be explored in other husbandry and captivity species.
Collapse
|
7
|
Perea-García JO, Ramarajan K, Kret ME, Hobaiter C, Monteiro A. Ecological factors are likely drivers of eye shape and colour pattern variations across anthropoid primates. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17240. [PMID: 36243745 PMCID: PMC9569326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
External eye appearance across primate species is diverse in shape and colouration, yet we still lack an explanation for the drivers of such diversity. Here we quantify substantial interspecific variation in eye shape and colouration across 77 primate species representing all extant genera of anthropoid primates. We reassess a series of hypotheses aiming to explain ocular variation in horizontal elongation and in colouration across species. Heavier body weight and terrestrial locomotion are associated with elongated eye outlines. Species living closer to the equator present more pigmented conjunctivae, suggesting photoprotective functions. Irises become bluer in species living further away from the equator, adding to existing literature supporting a circadian clock function for bluer irises. These results shift the current focus from communicative, to ecological factors in driving variation in external eye appearance in anthropoid primates. They also highlight the possibility that similar ecological factors contributed to selection for blue eyes in ancestral human populations living in northern latitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Olvido Perea-García
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117557 Singapore ,grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Institute of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kokulanantha Ramarajan
- grid.462738.c0000 0000 9091 4551School of Applied Sciences, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mariska E. Kret
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Institute of Psychology, Cognitive Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Hobaiter
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution and Scottish Primate Research Group, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK
| | - Antónia Monteiro
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117557 Singapore ,grid.463064.30000 0004 4651 0380Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dussenne M, Delcourt J, Poncin P, Cornil CA, Parmentier E. Impact of temperature-induced sex reversal on behavior and sound production in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Horm Behav 2022; 142:105173. [PMID: 35550986 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105173] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In some fish species, sex is determined by the combination of genetic and environmental factors. In most species concerned, extreme temperatures during the sensitive period of sex differentiation drives masculinization, independently of the female sex chromosomes. In Nile tilapia (XY male heterogamety), XX juveniles exposed to high temperatures (>32 °C) can masculinize and become phenotypical males (neomales). Whether these neomales exhibit a different behavior than XY males remains however unclear. Sex reversal being naturally relevant, we investigated the agonistic behavior of neomales during dyadic fights and the preference of gravid females for one of the two male types. We quantified the behavior, size of the nest, hormone circulating levels (testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone and cortisol) and sound production of the two male types in both contexts. Independently of the individual they face, neomales seem to display more aggressive behaviors than XY males but often fail to become dominant. Agonistic interactions were mainly silent, suggesting that sounds are unnecessary for the establishment of social hierarchy. Although males and neomales produce different kinds of sounds when facing a gravid female, the female does not exhibit a preference. Overall, no differences were observed for hormone circulating concentrations between the two male types. We suggest that the sex chromosomes and/or the sex reversal procedure may have differently shaped the brain of neomales, resulting in differences in the expression of behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Dussenne
- Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, avenue Hippocrate, 15 (B36), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium; Aquaculture Research and Education Center (CEFRA), University of Liege, Tihange, Belgium; Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Morphology, UR FOCUS, Allée du Six Août 11, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium; Behavioural Biology group, Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology, Quai Van Beneden 22, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
| | - J Delcourt
- Behavioural Biology group, Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology, Quai Van Beneden 22, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - P Poncin
- Behavioural Biology group, Laboratory of Fish and Amphibian Ethology, Quai Van Beneden 22, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - C A Cornil
- Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, avenue Hippocrate, 15 (B36), University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - E Parmentier
- Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Morphology, UR FOCUS, Allée du Six Août 11, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Olsson KH, Nilsson Sköld H, Merilaita S, Kvarnemo C. Dark-eyed females: sexually dimorphic prespawning coloration results from sex-specific physiological response to hormone exposure in the sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The function and regulation of female nuptial colour signals are poorly understood. In fish, colour is often mediated by chromatophores, allowing for rapid and versatile signalling. Here, we examine a distinct but temporary black line around the eyes and snout (‘dark eyes’) displayed by female sand gobies before spawning and never observed in males. We investigate the regulatory mechanism of the display by analysing the number of melanophores in both sexes in vitro and their response to hormonal exposure. We also test the hypothesis that dark eyes serve an anti-glare function and focus the line of sight, by analysing the frequency, intensity and duration of the display in bright and dim light, with and without males present. We show that the sexes do not differ in terms of the number of melanophores, but that males and females respond in different ways to exposure to melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which has a stronger dilatory effect in females and results in a darker line. However, the darkness of the iris is not affected. Neither light levels nor the presence of potential mates affect the frequency of the dark eye display, but the display is longer lasting and more intense in the presence of smaller nest-holding males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin H Olsson
- Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
- School of Zoology, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Sami Merilaita
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Charlotta Kvarnemo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- The Linnean Center for Marine Evolutionary Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brandão ML, Dorigão-Guimarães F, Bolognesi MC, Gauy ACDS, Pereira AVS, Vian L, Carvalho TB, Gonçalves-de-Freitas E. Understanding behaviour to improve the welfare of an ornamental fish. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:726-739. [PMID: 34076258 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Some common practices in aquaculture, ornamental trade and fish facilities may disturb the behavioural repertoire of fish and its natural adaptive value, reducing welfare and impairing fish production. Hence, it is necessary to understand fish behaviour, as well as the factors affecting it, to improve the quality of fish's life under artificial environment. Here, we reviewed the behaviour of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare, an Amazonian cichlid used worldwide both as an ornamental fish and as a fish model in scientific research. We characterized social, reproductive and feeding behaviour, as well as the amazing cognitive ability of the angelfish. In addition, we reviewed the effects of environmental enrichment and suggested some important variables that need to be considered for rearing P. scalare. In this review, we show for the first time a synthesis on behaviour and a best practice overview to improve the welfare of angelfish as a target species. Nonetheless, most topics reviewed fit a broader set of fish species, particularly ornamental ones. This synthesis can therefore open a path for further behavioural research applied to the welfare of angelfish and bring insights to other fish species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Lombardi Brandão
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Dorigão-Guimarães
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela Cesar Bolognesi
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Dos Santos Gauy
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Vitor Salinas Pereira
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lethicia Vian
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Eliane Gonçalves-de-Freitas
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Aquicultura da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Go JS, Lee JW, Yoo JC. Variations of Hawk Mimicry Traits in the Four Sympatric Cuculus Cuckoos. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.702263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A well-known visual signal, hawk-like features such as yellow eyes and feet, and barred underparts have been recognized as coevolutionary traits obtained against host defense in Cuculus cuckoos. However, the variation of these traits within and among species remains poorly understood because empirical studies quantifying these traits are limited in terms of the number of studies and the number of species concerned, and mostly depend on museum collections. In this study, we quantified and compared these traits as well as other new features (e.g., inner wing spot and underpart background color) in the four sympatric Cuculus cuckoos (Cuculus poliocephalus, Cuculus micropterus, Cuculus optatus, and Cuculus canorus) that were wild-captured in South Korea. We found that the yellow color of the eye ring and feet was fairly consistent across the four species. However, the iris color appeared to vary within a species (e.g., between sexes) and varied more substantially among species from nearly black in C. micropterus to bright yellow in C. canorus. In addition, there were significant differences among species with respect to the thickness of the underpart bars, from the thinnest in C. canorus to the thickest in C. micropterus. We also found that the underpart color (pure white versus yellowish brown) and the number of inner wing spots varied within and among species. These results indicate that although hawk-like traits are widely present in Cuculus cuckoos, detailed quantitative features of these traits vary across species. We discuss the potential reasons that generate such variations and suggest future directions to increase our understanding of visual signals in avian brood parasitism.
Collapse
|
12
|
Associations between neck plumage and beak darkness, as well as comb size measurements and scores with ranging frequency of Sasso and Green-legged Partridge chickens. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101340. [PMID: 34333386 PMCID: PMC8342781 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the intensive genetic selection in modern poultry, variability of domestic fowl phenotypes has remained, especially in breeds adapted to local conditions. The relevance of this variability to the chicken outdoor ranging activities remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate if external features were associated with the ranging frequency of the 48 female chickens from each of the 2 breeds: Sasso and Green-legged Partridge. In each of 6 single-breed pens, 8 hens and 2 roosters were housed under conditions of EU requirements for organic meat chicken production, including free access to an outdoor range, from wk 5 to 10 of age. The birds were video-recorded during the experiment to obtain frequencies of individual birds' use of the ranges. Comb size (length and height) was measured using a digital ruler, while the sizes of the dark area of neck plumage and beak were processed and analyzed using ImageJ software. The same traits were scored using direct visual assessment by a trained observer on a scale of 1-3. In addition, the eye color of the bird was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted independently for each breed using regression models, ANOVAs and Spearman correlations. Significant positive associations between neck plumage (P < 0.01), beak darkness (P = 0.03) measurements, comb length (P < 0.01) and comb height (P < 0.01) and frequency of range use were identified for Sasso. Sasso hens scored with darkest neck plumage (P = 0.03) and biggest comb size (P = 0.04) ranged the most, while their external features were significantly and positively correlated between each other, except beak darkness and comb length. No significant associations between ranging and external features were found in Green-legged Partridge birds, except that their comb height was significantly and positively correlated with neck plumage and beak darkness (r = 0.39 and 0.33, respectively). In some genetic strains, better understanding of the associations between chickens’ external features with ranging behavior could contribute to improve selection programs and bird welfare, assuring production of breeding stock suitable for outdoor conditions.
Collapse
|
13
|
Korzan WJ, Summers CH. Evolution of stress responses refine mechanisms of social rank. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100328. [PMID: 33997153 PMCID: PMC8105687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Social rank functions to facilitate coping responses to socially stressful situations and conditions. The evolution of social status appears to be inseparably connected to the evolution of stress. Stress, aggression, reward, and decision-making neurocircuitries overlap and interact to produce status-linked relationships, which are common among both male and female populations. Behavioral consequences stemming from social status and rank relationships are molded by aggressive interactions, which are inherently stressful. It seems likely that the balance of regulatory elements in pro- and anti-stress neurocircuitries results in rapid but brief stress responses that are advantageous to social dominance. These systems further produce, in coordination with reward and aggression circuitries, rapid adaptive responding during opportunities that arise to acquire food, mates, perch sites, territorial space, shelter and other resources. Rapid acquisition of resources and aggressive postures produces dominant individuals, who temporarily have distinct fitness advantages. For these reasons also, change in social status can occur rapidly. Social subordination results in slower and more chronic neural and endocrine reactions, a suite of unique defensive behaviors, and an increased propensity for anxious and depressive behavior and affect. These two behavioral phenotypes are but distinct ends of a spectrum, however, they may give us insights into the troubling mechanisms underlying the myriad of stress-related disorders to which they appear to be evolutionarily linked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA.,Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA.,Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tatemoto P, Serra M. Low Luminosity Reduces Agonistic Behaviour of Nile Tilapia. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2021; 24:434-441. [PMID: 33624566 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1888293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In confrontations, many behaviors are based on visual information. To establish the importance of visual signals in the aggression of cichlid fish, we observed the behavior of groups in three juveniles of Nile tilapia (six groups in each condition), for 30 minutes under two extremes of light condition: high luminosity and low luminosity (dark condition for humans - only infrared light). The average number of bites and chases in the low luminosity was lower than observed in high luminosity. We conclude that the low luminosity condition diminishes but does not eliminate fights, and the fish can rely on nonvisual senses and low intensity of light to interact with conspecifics. The artificial high luminosity in artificial environments is potentially compromising welfare for increasing the number of agonistic interactions. Moreover, it is possible that in experimental designs studying behavior the high luminosity is a variable interfering in the conclusions about agonistic behavior in cichlid fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Serra
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ogawa S, Pfaff DW, Parhar IS. Fish as a model in social neuroscience: conservation and diversity in the social brain network. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:999-1020. [PMID: 33559323 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms for fish social behaviours involve a social brain network (SBN) which is evolutionarily conserved among vertebrates. However, considerable diversity is observed in the actual behaviour patterns amongst nearly 30000 fish species. The huge variation found in socio-sexual behaviours and strategies is likely generated by a morphologically and genetically well-conserved small forebrain system. Hence, teleost fish provide a useful model to study the fundamental mechanisms underlying social brain functions. Herein we review the foundations underlying fish social behaviours including sensory, hormonal, molecular and neuroanatomical features. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons clearly play important roles, but the participation of vasotocin and isotocin is also highlighted. Genetic investigations of developing fish brain have revealed the molecular complexity of neural development of the SBN. In addition to straightforward social behaviours such as sex and aggression, new experiments have revealed higher order and unique phenomena such as social eavesdropping and social buffering in fish. Finally, observations interpreted as 'collective cognition' in fish can likely be explained by careful observation of sensory determinants and analyses using the dynamics of quantitative scaling. Understanding of the functions of the SBN in fish provide clues for understanding the origin and evolution of higher social functions in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, U.S.A
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Andrade P, Gazda MA, Araújo PM, Afonso S, Rasmussen JA, Marques CI, Lopes RJ, Gilbert. MTP, Carneiro M. Molecular parallelisms between pigmentation in the avian iris and the integument of ectothermic vertebrates. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009404. [PMID: 33621224 PMCID: PMC7935293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds exhibit striking variation in eye color that arises from interactions between specialized pigment cells named chromatophores. The types of chromatophores present in the avian iris are lacking from the integument of birds or mammals, but are remarkably similar to those found in the skin of ectothermic vertebrates. To investigate molecular mechanisms associated with eye coloration in birds, we took advantage of a Mendelian mutation found in domestic pigeons that alters the deposition of yellow pterin pigments in the iris. Using a combination of genome-wide association analysis and linkage information in pedigrees, we mapped variation in eye coloration in pigeons to a small genomic region of ~8.5kb. This interval contained a single gene, SLC2A11B, which has been previously implicated in skin pigmentation and chromatophore differentiation in fish. Loss of yellow pigmentation is likely caused by a point mutation that introduces a premature STOP codon and leads to lower expression of SLC2A11B through nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. There were no substantial changes in overall gene expression profiles between both iris types as well as in genes directly associated with pterin metabolism and/or chromatophore differentiation. Our findings demonstrate that SLC2A11B is required for the expression of pterin-based pigmentation in the avian iris. They further highlight common molecular mechanisms underlying the production of coloration in the iris of birds and skin of ectothermic vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Andrade
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Małgorzata A. Gazda
- Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Pedro M. Araújo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Afonso
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Jacob. A. Rasmussen
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cristiana I. Marques
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J. Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - M. Thomas P. Gilbert.
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Miguel Carneiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pupil size variation as a response to stress in European catfish and its application for social stress detection in albino conspecifics. PLoS One 2021; 15:e0244017. [PMID: 33382718 PMCID: PMC7775050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal changes such as increased cortisol level in blood plasma in response to stress and social environmental stimuli are common among vertebrates including humans and typically accompanied by other physiological processes, such as changes in body pigmentation and/or pupil dilatation. The role of pupil size variation (PSV) as a response to stress have yet to be investigated in fish. We exposed albino and pigmented European catfish to short-term stress and measured changes in pupil size and cortisol level. Albinos showed lower pupil dilatation and higher cortisol levels than did pigmented conspecifics. A clear positive relationship between pupil dilatation and cortisol concentrations was observed for both pigmented and albino specimens, suggesting that PSV can be used as a stress indicator in fish, irrespective of albino’s inability to express social communication by coloring. During the follow-up, we investigated whether a penultimate contest between albino individuals would impact contestants’ social stress during subsequent contact. We observed PSV during the contact of unfamiliar albino catfish with different penultimate experiences (winner (W) and/or loser (L)). Then, the following treatment combinations were tested: WW, WL and LL. Twenty-four-hour contact of two unfamiliar catfish resulted in higher pupil dilatation among individuals with previous winner experience. Among treatment combinations, a WL contest displayed the highest pupil dilatation for winners. PSV reflected socially induced stress in individuals that was accompanied by the “winner” experience and dominancy in albinos. To conclude, the present study validates pupil dilatation as a non-invasive method to evaluate stress level in pigmented as well as albino fish in various contexts.
Collapse
|
18
|
Raick X, Huby A, Kurchevski G, Godinho AL, Parmentier É. Yellow-eyed piranhas produce louder sounds than red-eyed piranhas in an invasive population of Serrasalmus marginatus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1676-1680. [PMID: 32901922 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Serrasalmus marginatus is a piranha species native from the lower Paraná River basin and has been invasive in the upper Paraná River basin since the 1980s. In piranhas, sounds of different species have different features. The aim of this study was to investigate if the sounds produced by this species could be used to distinguish two morphotypes: red- and yellow-eyed S. marginatus from the Araguari River (upper Paraná River basin). All the temporal and frequency features of the sounds were equivalent in both groups of eye colour; it corresponds to the species-specific signature described for S. marginatus. Nonetheless, the amplitude features were all statistically different between red- and yellow-eyed piranhas. Yellow-eyed specimens produced louder sounds. In different fish species, colour change in eyes can be due to the absence or the presence of a dominant allele. It can also be involved in social rank or during reproduction. Different hormones and neuropeptides can modulate vocal features. It is hypothesized that a mutation or different hormonal concentrations could explain both sound amplitude and eye colour playing a role in animal communication in S. marginatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Raick
- Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Morphology, Freshwater and Oceanic Science Unit of Research, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alessia Huby
- Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Morphology, Freshwater and Oceanic Science Unit of Research, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gregório Kurchevski
- Fish Passage Center, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexandre L Godinho
- Fish Passage Center, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Éric Parmentier
- Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Morphology, Freshwater and Oceanic Science Unit of Research, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Intruder traits modulate aggressive behavior of territory owners. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12050. [PMID: 32694657 PMCID: PMC7374745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The prior residence effect consists of a higher probability of territory owners to win a fight against intruders, as observed in several territorial species across animal kingdom. However, in investigations on territorial behavior, intruder traits have been assumed as fixed. Thus, we used a territorial species as experimental model to evaluate the effect of intruder traits on aggressive behavior of territory owners. During fights staged between territory owners and intruders, intruder traits, linked with visual signals of social status (dominant-subordinate position), modulate fighting behavior of territory owners, but prior residence effect still occurred. Intruder traits must be addressed more effectively for improving the theoretical understanding of territoriality.
Collapse
|
20
|
The redder the better? Information content of red skin coloration in female Japanese macaques. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
21
|
Pawluk RJ, Garcia de Leaniz C, Cable J, Tiddeman B, Consuegra S. Colour plasticity in response to social context and parasitic infection in a self-fertilizing fish. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:181418. [PMID: 31417688 PMCID: PMC6689574 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many animal species rely on changes in body coloration to signal social dominance, mating readiness and health status to conspecifics, which can in turn influence reproductive success, social dynamics and pathogen avoidance in natural populations. Such colour changes are thought to be controlled by genetic and environmental conditions, but their relative importance is difficult to measure in natural populations, where individual genetic variability complicates data interpretation. Here, we studied shifts in melanin-related body coloration in response to social context and parasitic infection in two naturally inbred lines of a self-fertilizing fish to disentangle the relative roles of genetic background and individual variation. We found that social context and parasitic infection had a significant effect on body coloration that varied between genetic lines, suggesting the existence of genotype by environment interactions. In addition, individual variation was also important for some of the colour attributes. We suggest that the genetic background drives colour plasticity and that this can maintain phenotypic variation in inbred lines, an adaptive mechanism that may be particularly important when genetic diversity is low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Bernard Tiddeman
- Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
“Face” is a special stimulus in humans and, nonhuman primates, and some other social mammals; that is, they perceive the face differently from the other body parts and other stimuli. In these species, the face conveys much information, so individuals examine the face at first sight rather than other body parts. Similar to mammals, the faces of fish also convey much information, but little is known about whether fish pay attention to the face or face-viewing patterns. Here we document the face-viewing patterns of the cichlid fish Neolamprologus brichardi, which can distinguish between conspecifics based on facial colouration. First, we established a method to identify the point at which subject fish inspected. Fish often fixated in direction to their heads toward the object of attention, suggesting that the extended body axis indicated the attention point. Using this attribute, we examined the point of attention of subject fish presented with photographs of conspecifics and heterospecifics. The results revealed that the fish inspected initially and repeatedly at the face and the duration was longer for the face than other body parts.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Fish social behavior can be affected by artificial environments, particularly by factors that act upon species that show aggressive behavior to set social rank hierarchy. Although aggressive interactions are part of the natural behavior in fish, if constant and intense, such interactions can cause severe body injuries, increase energy expenditure, and lead the animals to suffer from social stress. The immediate consequence of these factors is a reduced welfare in social fish species. In this paper, we consider the factors that impact on the social behavior and welfare of Nile tilapia, an African cichlid fish widely used both in fish farms and in research; this species is frequently used as a model for physiology and behavior research. This is a polygynous species whose males interact aggressively, establishing a territorial based hierarchy, where a dominant male and several subordinate males arise. When social stability is shrunk, the negative effects of prolonged fighting emerge. In this paper, we summarized how some of the common practices in aquaculture, such as classifying individuals by matching their sizes, water renewal, stock density, and environment lighting affect Nile tilapia social aggressive interactions and, in turn, impact on its welfare. We also discuss some ways to decrease the effects of aggressive interactions in Nile tilapia, such as environment color and body tactile stimulation.
Collapse
|
24
|
Higuchi Y, Soga T, Parhar IS. Social Defeat Stress Decreases mRNA for Monoamine Oxidase A and Increases 5-HT Turnover in the Brain of Male Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus). Front Pharmacol 2019; 9:1549. [PMID: 30687104 PMCID: PMC6333864 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress induces various neurobiological responses and causes psychiatric disorders, including depression. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) plays an important role in various functions of the brain, such as regulation of mood, anxiety and aggression, and dysregulation of MAO-A is observed in stress-related psychiatric disorders. This study addressed the question whether acute social stress induces changes to transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional regulation of MAO-A expression in the brain. Using male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), we investigated whether acute social stress, induced by the presence of a dominant male fish, changes the expression of MAO-A. We measured gene expression of MAO-A by quantitative PCR, enzymatic activity of MAO-A by the luminescent method, and 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in the brain of socially stressed and control fish. Socially stressed males showed decreased MAO-A mRNA levels, consistent MAO-A enzymatic activity, increased 5-HT turnover in the brain, and elevated plasma cortisol levels, compared to controls. Our results suggest that acute social stress suppresses the transcription of MAO-A gene, enhances 5-HT metabolism but does not affect the production of MAO-A protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Higuchi
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Champneys T, Castaldo G, Consuegra S, Garcia de Leaniz C. Density-dependent changes in neophobia and stress-coping styles in the world's oldest farmed fish. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:181473. [PMID: 30662751 PMCID: PMC6304122 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Farmed fish are typically reared at densities much higher than those observed in the wild, but to what extent crowding results in abnormal behaviours that can impact welfare and stress coping styles is subject to debate. Neophobia (i.e. fear of the 'new') is thought to be adaptive under natural conditions by limiting risks, but it is potentially maladapted in captivity, where there are no predators or novel foods. We reared juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for six weeks at either high (50 g l-1) or low density (14 g l-1), assessed the extent of skin and eye darkening (two proxies of chronic stress), and exposed them to a novel object in an open test arena, with and without cover, to assess the effects of density on neophobia and stress coping styles. Fish reared at high density were darker, more neophobic, less aggressive, less mobile and less likely to take risks than those reared at low density, and these effects were exacerbated when no cover was available. Thus, the reactive coping style shown by fish at high density was very different from the proactive coping style shown by fish at low density. Our findings provide novel insights into the plasticity of fish behaviour and the effects of aquaculture intensification on one of the world's oldest farmed and most invasive fish, and highlight the importance of considering context. Crowding could have a positive effect on the welfare of tilapia by reducing aggressive behaviour, but it can also make fish chronically stressed and more fearful, which could make them less invasive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - C. Garcia de Leaniz
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Franco-Belussi L, De Oliveira C, Sköld HN. Regulation of eye and jaw colouration in three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 92:1788-1804. [PMID: 29577284 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fish can change their skin and eye colour for background matching and signalling. Males of Gasterosteus aculeatus develop ornamental blue eyes and a red jaw during the reproductive season, colours that are further enhanced during courtship. Here, the effects of different hormones on physiological colour changes in the eyes and jaws of male and female G. aculeatus were investigated in vitro. In an in vivo experiment, G. aculeatus were injected with a receptor blocker of a pivotal hormone (noradrenaline) that controls colour change. In males, noradrenaline had aggregating effects on melanophore and erythrophore pigments resulting in blue eyes and a pale jaw, whereas melanocyte-concentrating hormone (MCH) and melatonin resulted in a pale jaw only. When noradrenalin was combined with melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) or prolactin, the jaw became red, while the eyes remained blue. In vivo injection of yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor blocker, resulted in dispersion of melanophore pigment in the eyes and inhibited the blue colouration. Altogether, the data suggest that noradrenalin has a pivotal role in the short-term enhancement of the ornamental colouration of male G. aculeatus, potentially together with MSH or prolactin. This study also found a sex difference in the response to MCH, prolactin and melatonin, which may result from different appearance strategies in males, versus the more cryptic females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Franco-Belussi
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Sven Lovén Centre for Marine Sciences - Kristineberg, University of Gothenburg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
| | - C De Oliveira
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - H N Sköld
- Sven Lovén Centre for Marine Sciences - Kristineberg, University of Gothenburg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Box 461, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
- Havets Hus in Lysekil, Strandvägen 9, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gauy ACDS, Boscolo CNP, Gonçalves-de-Freitas E. Less water renewal reduces effects on social aggression of the cichlid Pterophyllum scalare. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
28
|
Ramanzini GC, Volpato GL, Visconti MA. Does MCH play a role on establishment or maintenance of social hierarchy in Nile tilapia? Physiol Behav 2018; 183:33-38. [PMID: 29056352 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Body coloration has a fundamental role in animal communication by signaling sex, age, reproductive behavior, aggression, etc. Nile-tilapia exhibits dominance hierarchy and the dominants are paler than subordinates. During social interactions in these animals, these color changes occur rapidly, and normally the subordinates become dark. In teleosteans, from the great number of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in color changes, melanocyte hormone stimulates (α-MSH) and melanin concentrates hormone (MCH) are the most remarkable. The aim of this project was to investigate the role of MCH in the establishment of hierarchical dominance of the Nile-tilapia. We analyzed the effect of background coloration in the dominance hierarchy. It was then compared to the melanophore sensibility of dominants and subordinates' fishes to MCH; finally, it was checked if the social rank affects the number of these pigment cells in dominants and subordinated fishes. Fishes which have a social hierarchy established and adjusted individually to the background exhibits paler body coloration when a visual contact was possible, independently of previous social rank and background color. Probably, even recognizing each other, fishes could be defending their new territory. Melanophores of the subordinate fishes were more sensible to MCH than dominants. It suggests that dominants fishes, which are paler than subordinates, could be under a chronic effect of MCH, which could be due a desensitization of melanophores to this hormone. The opposite effect seems to be occurring on subordinate fishes. It was not observed a significant change in the number of melanophores when the fishes were exposed to a prolonged period of agonistic interaction. It is possible that the exposure time for this interaction might not have been sufficient to have any change in the number of these cells of dominants and subordinate fishes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Corrêa Ramanzini
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo,Rua do Matão, travessa 14, 101, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilson Luiz Volpato
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, CEP 8618-000, Postal Box 510, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Visconti
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo,Rua do Matão, travessa 14, 101, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Scaia MF, Morandini L, Noguera CA, Ramallo MR, Somoza GM, Pandolfi M. Fighting cichlids: Dynamic of intrasexual aggression in dyadic agonistic encounters. Behav Processes 2017; 147:61-69. [PMID: 29273550 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aggression is an extremely complex behaviour and female aggression is understudied when compared to males. Despite the fact that it has been suggested that conflict among females may be more frequently resolved peacefully, in many species females show high levels of aggression. We used Cichlasoma dimerus to describe dynamics and conflict outcome in intrasexual agonistic encounters. We performed encounters of two sex-matched animals in a neutral arena and we recorded agonistic interactions during one hour. All aggressive and submissive behaviours were described and quantified to perform the ethogram. Encounters followed three phases: pre-contest, contest and post-resolution. Latency, time of resolution and frequency of aggressive displays did not differ between sexes. Relative variations in size between female opponents better explained aggression outcome in each contest, since higher levels of aggression occurred in dyads of more similar fish. However, this was not observed in males, suggesting that probably morphological characteristics could be less relevant in male conflict resolution. Altogether these results suggest that in this ethological context, C. dimerus females are as aggressive as males and that they have similar motivation towards territorial aggression, emphasizing the need of deepening the study of aggression in females and not only in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Scaia
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma 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.
| | - Leonel Morandini
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma 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
| | - Cristobal Alejandro Noguera
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma 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
| | - Martín Roberto Ramallo
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma 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
| | - Gustavo Manuel Somoza
- Laboratorio de Ictiofisiología y Acuicultura, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH. CONICET-UNSAM), Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Matías Pandolfi
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada - CONICET, Ciudad Auntónoma 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.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Davidson GL, Thornton A, Clayton NS. Evolution of iris colour in relation to cavity nesting and parental care in passerine birds. Biol Lett 2017; 13:rsbl.2016.0783. [PMID: 28077686 PMCID: PMC5310583 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Strong selection pressures are known to act on animal coloration. Although many animals vary in eye colour, virtually no research has investigated the functional significance of these colour traits. Passeriformes have a range of iris colours, making them an ideal system to investigate how and why iris colour has evolved. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we tested the hypothesis that conspicuous iris colour in passerine birds evolved in response to (a) coordination of offspring care and (b) cavity nesting, two traits thought to be involved in intra-specific gaze sensitivity. We found that iris colour and cooperative offspring care by two or more individuals evolved independently, suggesting that bright eyes are not important for coordinating parental care through eye gaze. Furthermore, we found that evolution between iris colour and nesting behaviour did occur in a dependent manner, but contrary to predictions, transitions to coloured eyes were not more frequent in cavity nesters than non-cavity nesters. Instead, our results indicate that selection away from having bright eyes was much stronger in non-cavity nesters than cavity nesters, perhaps because conspicuous eye coloration in species not concealed within a cavity would be more visible to predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L Davidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK .,School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alex Thornton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Nicola S Clayton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yoo HN, Lee JW, Yoo JC. Asymmetry of eye color in the common cuckoo. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7612. [PMID: 28790375 PMCID: PMC5548743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bilateral symmetry is assumed to contribute to the evolution of eye color, with the left and right eye being the same color in most vertebrates; yet, few studies tested this assumption. Here, we compared the amount of iris flecking (black spots presented on the iris) between the left and right eye of 76 adult common cuckoos Cuculus canorus. We found considerable variation in the total amount of iris flecking among individuals, with variation being associated with body size and sex. We also found that the amount of iris flecking differed between the left and right eye and that this left-right asymmetry was not random, with the left eye almost always being darker than the right eye. Furthermore, this asymmetry was negatively associated with wing length; however, this effect was limited to individuals with dark eyes. Overall, the asymmetric, but non-random, distribution of iris flecking between the left and right eye may indicate that selection pressures driving asymmetry (such as visual lateralization) act on the development of iris colors, even though this effect might be limited, due to the role of bilateral symmetry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Yoo
- Korea Institute of Ornithology & Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Won Lee
- Korea Institute of Ornithology & Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Chil Yoo
- Korea Institute of Ornithology & Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Social organization and endocrine profiles of Australoheros facetus, an exotic freshwater fish in southern Portugal. Acta Ethol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-017-0271-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
33
|
Falsarella LDN, Brandão ML, Gonçalves-de-Freitas E. Fish adjust aggressive behavior to audience size with limited information on bystanders' fighting ability. Behav Processes 2017; 142:116-118. [PMID: 28694127 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In a social environment, individual behavior is modulated by surrounding observers (a phenomenon known as the audience effect). Here, we used mirrors to test the effect of two audience sizes (one virtual bystander vs. three virtual bystanders) on the aggressive behavior of a focal fish when bystander's fighting ability was not clear (i.e., information about the ability of virtual conspecifics limited by their mirror images). We found that the Nile tilapia, a cichlid fish, responds to its image as an audience by reducing overt aggression in the presence of larger audience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludmilla do Nascimento Falsarella
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-599, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Manuela Lombardi Brandão
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Eliane Gonçalves-de-Freitas
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil; Centro de Aquicultura da UNESP, Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Attending to where others are looking is thought to be of great adaptive benefit for animals when avoiding predators and interacting with group members. Many animals have been reported to respond to the gaze of others, by co-orienting their gaze with group members (gaze following) and/or responding fearfully to the gaze of predators or competitors (i.e., gaze aversion). Much of the literature has focused on the cognitive underpinnings of gaze sensitivity, namely whether animals have an understanding of the attention and visual perspectives in others. Yet there remain several unanswered questions regarding how animals learn to follow or avoid gaze and how experience may influence their behavioral responses. Many studies on the ontogeny of gaze sensitivity have shed light on how and when gaze abilities emerge and change across development, indicating the necessity to explore gaze sensitivity when animals are exposed to additional information from their environment as adults. Gaze aversion may be dependent upon experience and proximity to different predator types, other cues of predation risk, and the salience of gaze cues. Gaze following in the context of information transfer within social groups may also be dependent upon experience with group-members; therefore we propose novel means to explore the degree to which animals respond to gaze in a flexible manner, namely by inhibiting or enhancing gaze following responses. We hope this review will stimulate gaze sensitivity research to expand beyond the narrow scope of investigating underlying cognitive mechanisms, and to explore how gaze cues may function to communicate information other than attention.
Collapse
|
35
|
Backström T, Heynen M, Brännäs E, Nilsson J, Winberg S, Magnhagen C. Social stress effects on pigmentation and monoamines in Arctic charr. Behav Brain Res 2015; 291:103-107. [PMID: 25997582 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pigmentation often signals status and in general melanin-based pigmentation is indicative of aggression and stress resilience in vertebrates. This is evident in the salmonids Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) where more melanin spotted individuals are more stress resilient. However, in the salmonid Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) it seems as if it is carotenoid-based pigmentation that signals aggression and stress resilience. In our study, social stress effects on carotenoid-based spots, and behavioural and physiological stress responses were investigated. Socially stressed individuals have more spots, and behavioural stress responses were associated with spots. Some of the results concerning physiological stress responses, such as plasma cortisol levels and monoaminergic activity, are associated with spottiness. Further, the earlier proposed lateralization of spots, with left side connected to stress responsiveness and right side to aggression, is to some extent validated although not conclusively. In conclusion, this study provides further evidence that more stressed charr have more carotenoid spots, and for the first time monoaminergic activity is shown to be connected with carotenoid pigmentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Backström
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Martina Heynen
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Brännäs
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan Nilsson
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Svante Winberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carin Magnhagen
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Duration of memory of dominance relationships in a group living cichlid. Naturwissenschaften 2014; 101:745-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-014-1213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
37
|
Freitas RHA, Negrão CA, Felício AKC, Volpato GL. Eye darkening as a reliable, easy and inexpensive indicator of stress in fish. ZOOLOGY 2014; 117:179-84. [PMID: 24783997 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We expand the use of eye darkening (ED) to indicate non-social stress in the fish Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.). ED is easily estimated, not requiring any sophisticated equipment, and is non-invasive, facilitating the collection of several measures of stress over time. In the current study, we showed the following: (i) high- and low-ED occur spontaneously, indicating different fish reactions to adjustments to a novel environment; (ii) fish confinement or air exposure clearly increases ED (air exposure is a stronger stressor than confinement), and the time to restore basal values indicates the severity of the impact of the stressor on the fish (this response is not affected by period of the day, e.g., morning or afternoon); and (iii) in adults, females were more responsive (slower recovery) to 2-min air exposure than to 30-min confinement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renato H A Freitas
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Behavior, Research Center on Animal Welfare - RECAW, Departamento de Fisiologia, IBB, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, Botucatu 18618-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina A Negrão
- Faculdades Integradas Regionais de Avaré, FIRA, Praça Prefeito Romeu Bretas 163, Avaré 18700-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Karina C Felício
- Faculdades Integradas Regionais de Avaré, FIRA, Praça Prefeito Romeu Bretas 163, Avaré 18700-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilson L Volpato
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Behavior, Research Center on Animal Welfare - RECAW, Departamento de Fisiologia, IBB, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, Botucatu 18618-970, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chichinadze K, Chichinadze N, Gachechiladze L, Lazarashvili A, Nikolaishvili M. Physical predictors, behavioural/emotional attributes and neurochemical determinants of dominant behaviour. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 89:1005-20. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Chichinadze
- Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Functions; I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine; Gotua Street 14 0160 Tbilisi Georgia
- Department of Pathology; I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University; 0128 Tbilisi Georgia
- Laboratory of Theoretical Investigations, Systemic Research Center; 0179 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Nodar Chichinadze
- Department of Andrology; A. Natishvili Institute of Morphology; 0159 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Ledi Gachechiladze
- Laboratory of Theoretical Investigations, Systemic Research Center; 0179 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Ann Lazarashvili
- Laboratory of Theoretical Investigations, Systemic Research Center; 0179 Tbilisi Georgia
| | - Marina Nikolaishvili
- Laboratory of Problems of Radiation Safety, Department of Radiobiology; I. Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine; 0160 Tbilisi Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pinho-Neto CF, Miyai CA, Sanches FHC, Giaquinto PC, Delicio HC, Barcellos LJG, Volpato GL, Barreto RE. Does sex influence intraspecific aggression and dominance in Nile tilapia juveniles? Behav Processes 2014; 105:15-8. [PMID: 24525358 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although sex of mature fish is known to influence aggression, this issue has so far been neglected in juveniles. Here, we tested this sex effect and showed that it does not significantly affect intraspecific aggression in juveniles of the cichlid Nile tilapia. To reach this conclusion, we measured the latency period before onset of confrontation, the frequency and types of aggressive interactions, the duration of a dispute, and the probability of becoming dominant. This was done on pairs of Nile tilapia that varied by sex: females×females, males×males, and females×males. In a double blind approach, after pairing, the sex of each individual was histologically verified and contrasted with behavioral data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cândido Ferreira Pinho-Neto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio Akira Miyai
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Percília Cardoso Giaquinto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helton Carlos Delicio
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo José Gil Barcellos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioexperimentação, Universidade de Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gilson Luiz Volpato
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Egydio Barreto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, CAUNESP, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Maan ME, Sefc KM. Colour variation in cichlid fish: developmental mechanisms, selective pressures and evolutionary consequences. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2013; 24:516-28. [PMID: 23665150 PMCID: PMC3778878 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cichlid fishes constitute one of the most species-rich families of vertebrates. In addition to complex social behaviour and morphological versatility, they are characterised by extensive diversity in colouration, both within and between species. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying colour variation in this group and the selective pressures responsible for the observed variation. We specifically address the evidence for the hypothesis that divergence in colouration is associated with the evolution of reproductive isolation between lineages. While we conclude that cichlid colours are excellent models for understanding the role of animal communication in species divergence, we also identify taxonomic and methodological biases in the current research effort. We suggest that the integration of genomic approaches with ecological and behavioural studies, across the entire cichlid family and beyond it, will contribute to the utility of the cichlid model system for understanding the evolution of biological diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martine E. Maan
- University of Groningen, Behavioural Biology, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kristina M. Sefc
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nilsson Sköld H, Aspengren S, Wallin M. Rapid color change in fish and amphibians - function, regulation, and emerging applications. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2012; 26:29-38. [PMID: 23082932 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Physiological color change is important for background matching, thermoregulation as well as signaling and is in vertebrates mediated by synchronous intracellular transport of pigmented organelles in chromatophores. We describe functions of and animal situations where color change occurs. A summary of endogenous and external factors that regulate this color change in fish and amphibians is provided, with special emphasis on extracellular stimuli. We describe not only color change in skin, but also highlight studies on color change that occurs using chromatophores in other areas such as iris and on the inside of the body. In addition, we discuss the growing field that applies melanophores and skin color in toxicology and as biosensors, and point out research areas with future potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Nilsson Sköld
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pfennig F, Kurth T, Meißner S, Standke A, Hoppe M, Zieschang F, Reitmayer C, Göbel A, Kretzschmar G, Gutzeit HO. The social status of the male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) influences testis structure and gene expression. Reproduction 2012; 143:71-84. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dominant and territorial behaviour are known social phenomena in cichlids and social stress influences reproduction and growth. The gonadotropic hormones trigger spermatogenesis and subordinate males have typically lower levels of gonadotropins than dominant males. In this study, we compared testis morphology and gene expression of dominant and subordinate Nile tilapia males (d- and s-males) in socially stable communities. The d-males had the highest gonadosomatic index but they were not the largest animals in the majority of studied cases. Long-term d-males showed large groups of Leydig cells and hyperplasia of the tunica albuginea due to numerous cytochrome-P450-11β-hydroxylase (Cyp11b) expressing myoid cells. Increased Cyp11b expression in d-males was reflected by elevated 11-ketotestosterone plasma values. However, immunofluorescence microscopy and expression analysis of selected genes revealed that most s-males conserved their capability for spermatogenesis and are, therefore, ready for reproduction when the social environment changes. Moreover, in s-males gene expression analysis by quantitative RT-PCR showed increased transcript levels for germ line-specific genes (vasa,sox2anddmc1) and Sertoli-specific genes (amh,amhrIIanddmrt1) whereas gene expression of key factors for steroid production (sf1andcyp11b) were reduced. The Nile tilapia is a promising model to study social cues and gonadotropic signals on testis development in vertebrates.
Collapse
|
43
|
The correlation between subordinate fish eye colour and received attacks: a negative social feedback mechanism for the reduction of aggression during the formation of dominance hierarchies. ZOOLOGY 2011; 114:335-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
44
|
Chen CC, Fernald RD. Visual information alone changes behavior and physiology during social interactions in a cichlid fish (Astatotilapia burtoni). PLoS One 2011; 6:e20313. [PMID: 21633515 PMCID: PMC3102105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behavior can influence physiological systems dramatically yet the sensory
cues responsible are not well understood. Behavior of male African cichlid fish,
Astatotilapia burtoni, in their natural habitat suggests
that visual cues from conspecifics contribute significantly to regulation of
social behavior. Using a novel paradigm, we asked whether visual cues alone from
a larger conspecific male could influence behavior, reproductive physiology and
the physiological stress response of a smaller male. Here we show that just
seeing a larger, threatening male through a clear barrier can suppress dominant
behavior of a smaller male for up to 7 days. Smaller dominant males being
“attacked” visually by larger dominant males through a clear barrier
also showed physiological changes for up to 3 days, including up-regulation of
reproductive- and stress-related gene expression levels and lowered plasma
11-ketotestesterone concentrations as compared to control animals. The smaller
males modified their appearance to match that of non-dominant males when exposed
to a larger male but they maintained a physiological phenotype similar to that
of a dominant male. After 7 days, reproductive- and stress- related gene
expression, circulating hormone levels, and gonad size in the smaller males
showed no difference from the control group suggesting that the smaller male
habituated to the visual intruder. However, the smaller male continued to
display subordinate behaviors and assumed the appearance of a subordinate male
for a full week despite his dominant male physiology. These data suggest that
seeing a larger male alone can regulate the behavior of a smaller male but that
ongoing reproductive inhibition depends on additional sensory cues. Perhaps,
while experiencing visual social stressors, the smaller male uses an
opportunistic strategy, acting like a subordinate male while maintaining the
physiology of a dominant male.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chun Chen
- Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Barreto RE, Carvalho GGA, Volpato GL. The aggressive behavior of Nile tilapia introduced into novel environments with variation in enrichment. ZOOLOGY 2010; 114:53-7. [PMID: 21196103 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many studies show environmental enrichment is correlated with benefits to captive animals; however, one should not always assume this positive relationship given that enrichment increases the amount of resources that a territorial animal must defend and possibly affects its aggressive dynamics. In this study, we tested if environmental enrichment affects aggressive interactions in the aggressive fish Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We compared fights staged between pairs of male tilapia of similar size (= matched in resource holding potential) in a novel arena that was either barren or enriched, to examine whether enrichment enhances territory value in line with theoretical predictions, with the potential for compromised welfare. We evaluated time elapsed until the first attack (latency), frequency of aggressive interactions and fight duration. We detected fight dynamic differences at the pair level. Higher resource value generated increased aggression but had no effect on fight duration or latency. This conclusion is in line with game theory predictions concerning resource value and contradicts the theory that enrichment of the environment will serve welfare purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo E Barreto
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Caunesp, UNESP, Rubião Jr. s/n, 18618-000 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lisney TJ, Studd E, Hawryshyn CW. Electrophysiological assessment of spectral sensitivity in adult Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: evidence for violet sensitivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 213:1453-63. [PMID: 20400629 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.036897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The cichlid fish radiations of the African Great Lakes are an important model for evolutionary biology. Cichlids have diverse colour vision systems and predominately express three cone visual pigments. However, rare populations of spectrally distinct cones have been found in a number of species, but it is not known whether they contribute to spectral sensitivity. Adult Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, an ancestral outgroup to the cichlid radiations in the Great Lakes, have three cone types: short-wavelength sensitive (SWS), medium-wavelength sensitive (MWS) and long-wavelength sensitive (LWS) cones, but evidence from microspectrophotometry and cone opsin gene expression suggests they may also have violet-sensitive (VS) cones. We used electrophysiology to assess spectral sensitivity in this species and found evidence of four sensitivity peaks in the ranges 380-420, 440-480, 500-600 and 600-680 nm, with maximal sensitivity at longer wavelengths. The continued presence of a 380-420 nm peak under long-wavelength chromatic adapting backgrounds indicates that this is due to a VS cone mechanism not the beta-band of the LWS cone mechanism. Differences in spectral sensitivity curves recorded at different times of year revealed evidence of A1/A2 shifts. The presence of notches in the sensitivity curves and a multiple-mechanisms model used to assess cone contributions indicated that the curves are the result of four cone mechanisms (VS, SWS, MWS and LWS cones) and that chromatically opponent processes occur between mechanisms. The spectral transmittance of the lens steeply declines between 410-380 nm, limiting the short-wavelength limb of the VS cone. As adults, Nile tilapia appear to possess the necessary retinal mechanisms for colour vision. While maximal sensitivity to longer wavelengths is an adaptation to the wavelengths of light predominantly available in their natural habitats, their broad sensitivity range suggests that Nile tilapia possess a flexible, generalised visual system able to adapt to changes in visual environment in their highly variable natural habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T J Lisney
- Department of Biology, Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cruz EMV, Brown CL. Influence of the photoperiod on growth rate and insulin-like growth factor-I gene expression in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2009; 75:130-141. [PMID: 20738487 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02271.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the duration of the light phase photoperiod (8 h light or 16 h light) on the growth and hepatic insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene expression in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were evaluated. There was a slight but not significant tendency for fish in the long light phase group (L(P)) to display elevated specific growth rate (G) both in mass (M) and standard length (L(S)) compared with that in the short light phase group (S(P);P = 0.057 for G(M);P = 0.055 for G(L)). Significantly, higher food conversion efficiency was observed in the L(P) than in the S(P). There were significant positive correlations between IGF-I concentrations and G, both in M and L(S). A significantly negative correlation was observed between IGF-I mRNA level and eye colour pattern. The lack of significant differences in G and hepatic IGF-I gene expression, despite the significant difference in feed conversion efficiency, may be related partly to the development of different levels of social interactions in the different groups within a photoperiod regime leading to increased variation of results within each group. These findings suggest that hepatic IGF-I gene expression has potential utility as a growth rate indicator for this species of fish and social status, as quantified by eye colour pattern, appears to be a much stronger determinant of growth rate and IGF-I transcript level than does light phase photoperiod length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E M Vera Cruz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gómez-Laplaza LM. Recent social environment affects colour-assortative shoaling in juvenile angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). Behav Processes 2009; 82:39-44. [PMID: 19376208 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Revised: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Theory predicts that fish should show colour-assortative shoaling in order to avoid the oddity effect whereby individuals that differ in some feature from the group majority appear to incur increased risk of predation. It has also been shown that early experience plays an important role in affecting social preferences in some fish species. In this study, the importance of colour phenotype in promoting assortative shoaling and the role played by the recent social environment on its expression were investigated in juvenile angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare. Individuals of the uniformly black and golden colour morphs were housed in a group with conspecifics of like and unlike body colour to themselves, as well as in mixed-colour groups for 4 weeks. Subsequently, they were subjected to a binary choice to shoal with a group of conspecifics composed of unfamiliar fish of either a like or unlike colour phenotype to themselves. The response of the individuals to the colour attributes of the shoals was related to their recent social environment. Fish in like- and mixed-colour previous treatments showed a preferential association with like colour conspecifics. In contrast, the shoaling behaviour exhibited by fish previously maintained with a group of unlike-coloured conspecifics (cross-housed treatment) indicated no significant preference for any of the shoals. The results suggest that angelfish use body colouration as an intraspecific shoaling cue and that learning, in the form of recent familiarization with a specific colour phenotype of conspecifics, can affect colour-assortative shoaling preferences in this species. This learning component of the choice need not be restricted to early developmental stages.
Collapse
|
49
|
Mendonça FZ, Gonçalves-de-Freitas E. Nest deprivation and mating success in Nile tilapia (Teleostei: Cichlidae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1590/s0101-81752008000300005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We tested the effect of nest deprivation on the mating success and sexual selection of dominant Nile tilapia males in two treatments, consisting of two males and three females kept on aquarium with or without nesting substrate (INS: with substrate inside, N = 9; NOS: non-substrate inside, N = 11). Other male traits potentially affecting mating success, such as aggressiveness level, courtship investment, and condition factor were also analyzed. The dominant male's behavior was video-recorded in four 20-min sessions: 1, 4, 7, and 10 days after grouping. Latency to spawn and spawning frequency were similar in WS and NS groups, showing the same mating success among dominant males on the presence or absence of gravel. Nest investment was the main factor related to female choice in INS groups, but none of the other variables improved mating success in NOS. Although nesting is related to sexual selection in Nile tilapia, gravel substrate deprivation from which they construct a nest does not affect mating success. This finding may explain the reproductive success of the species in a wide range of environments and aquaculture systems.
Collapse
|
50
|
|