Alcohol Effects on Locomotor and Aggressive Behaviors of Betta splendens
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Kristina Dandy
Abstract
Betta splendens elicit aggressive dominance displays when presented with eliciting stimuli, such as a mirror or conspecific (e.g., Shapiro & Jensen, 2009). Previous findings showed alcohol decreased aggression in Betta fish, but its impact was unclear on movement since CNS depressants reduce locomotor behavior (Carvalho et al., 2015). In this study we assessed the effects of alcohol on aggressive dominance displays of Betta fish at varying doses and determined displays impacted by locomotor behavior. Following Carvalho et al. (2015), we assessed motor performance of 11 male Bettas using a 5x5-inch square open-field apparatus following alcohol exposure. The open field features matte white Plexiglas walls, a clear base, and a visible grid-like pattern. Test sessions lasted 15 minutes. Fish were first exposed to the apparatus for 15 minutes a day for three days without exposure to alcohol. Then, fish were tested in the open field after alcohol exposure (0 ml, 0.75 ml, 1.5 ml, or 2.5 ml) per 473 ml of water. Following a 5-minute alcohol exposure period, the fish were placed into the open field. Locomotor activity was calculated by the distance traveled by the number of gridlines crossed. Subsequent dominance display testing was conducted in home tanks once daily. During testing, subjects were exposed to alcohol for 5 minutes prior to exposure to a mirror for 2 minutes. To determine the effects of alcohol on locomotor behavior, we will conduct a one-way within-group ANOVA, with alcohol dose as the independent variable and line crosses in the open field as the dependent variable. To assess alcohol’s effect on aggressive displays, we will conduct a series of one-way within group ANOVAs with alcohol dose as the independent variable and amount and duration of displays as dependent variables. Results will further understanding of Betta fish behavior and psychoactive substances’ impact on aggression.
Start Date
27-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 9:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Alcohol Effects on Locomotor and Aggressive Behaviors of Betta splendens
Magnolia Ballroom
Betta splendens elicit aggressive dominance displays when presented with eliciting stimuli, such as a mirror or conspecific (e.g., Shapiro & Jensen, 2009). Previous findings showed alcohol decreased aggression in Betta fish, but its impact was unclear on movement since CNS depressants reduce locomotor behavior (Carvalho et al., 2015). In this study we assessed the effects of alcohol on aggressive dominance displays of Betta fish at varying doses and determined displays impacted by locomotor behavior. Following Carvalho et al. (2015), we assessed motor performance of 11 male Bettas using a 5x5-inch square open-field apparatus following alcohol exposure. The open field features matte white Plexiglas walls, a clear base, and a visible grid-like pattern. Test sessions lasted 15 minutes. Fish were first exposed to the apparatus for 15 minutes a day for three days without exposure to alcohol. Then, fish were tested in the open field after alcohol exposure (0 ml, 0.75 ml, 1.5 ml, or 2.5 ml) per 473 ml of water. Following a 5-minute alcohol exposure period, the fish were placed into the open field. Locomotor activity was calculated by the distance traveled by the number of gridlines crossed. Subsequent dominance display testing was conducted in home tanks once daily. During testing, subjects were exposed to alcohol for 5 minutes prior to exposure to a mirror for 2 minutes. To determine the effects of alcohol on locomotor behavior, we will conduct a one-way within-group ANOVA, with alcohol dose as the independent variable and line crosses in the open field as the dependent variable. To assess alcohol’s effect on aggressive displays, we will conduct a series of one-way within group ANOVAs with alcohol dose as the independent variable and amount and duration of displays as dependent variables. Results will further understanding of Betta fish behavior and psychoactive substances’ impact on aggression.