Behavioral tactics control the energy costs of aggression: The example of Macropodus opercularis

Abstract

Previous experiments on Betta splendens have shown that energy expenditures related to aggression are under social control. The present paper examines the biochemical energetics of social cohabitation in groups of Macropodus opercularis. The species is closely related to Betta splendens, however, dominants use somewhat different behavioral tactics against intruders. In contrast to Bettas, submissive Macropoduses are not harassed by dominants, but are confined to the bottom of the tank. This results in a reduced rate of oxygen consumption in defeated animals (Anabantid fish mainly use atmospheric oxygen). The only metabolic change, compared to isolated controls, is a reduction in hepatic glycogen content. Submissive animals have shifted carbohydrate metabolism towards anaerobic glycolysis. Substantial reductions in muscle proteins, lipids, and glycogen occurred in submissive Betta splendens. Thus, the sharp difference in behavioral strategy results in a sharp difference in the energetic consequences of aggression. A theory is presented regarding the possible role of energetic constraints in the control of behavior. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Aggressive Behaviour in Fish: Integrating Information about Contest Costs

“…Contestants must mobilise energy stores to maintain high activity levels during a fight, and this often is reflected as depleted glycogen reserves and increased blood glucose levels (e.g. Haller et al 1996;Campbell et al 2005). To fuel metabolic processes and generate energy, fighters also increase rates of oxygen consumption (Ros et al 2006) and, if the contest escalates persistently, they turn to anaerobic metabolism.…”

Housing, Husbandry and Welfare of a “Classic” Fish Model, the Paradise Fish (Macropodus opercularis)

“…Paradise fish with their complex behavioral repertoire [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ] are a promising future model organism for behavioral genetics. However, in order to turn them into a modern model organism, it is essential to establish standardized protocols for housing and husbandry [ 61 ].…”

“…This unique set of behaviors make the labyrinth fish ideally suited for a range of studies. Indeed, not so long ago, the paradise fish was a popular model for ethologists, and was studied for different aspects of its behavioral repertoire [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. With the advent of novel molecular techniques, however, other, more established laboratory species (mainly zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) and medaka ( Oryzias latipes )), replaced paradise fish in the realm of behavioral studies as well.…”

Seasonal dynamics in population characteristics of European bitterling Rhodeus amarus in a small lowland river

“…It is suggested that the female‐biased sex ratio could have been caused by higher mortality of males. Both territorial and non‐territorial male R. amarus compete aggressively for mating opportunities (Reichard et al , 2004), which is likely to be costly (Haller et al , 1996; Candolin & Reynolds, 2002; Vollestad & Quinn, 2003), and higher testosterone levels in males at this time compromise immunity (Saino et al , 1995; Casto et al , 2001). In contrast, females spend most time feeding (Reichard et al , 2004).…”