![]() ![]() The study further shows that results were largely independent of the stimulus type, with the mirror test inducing similar and less variable responses than the live conspecific presentation. Aggressive behaviours were correlated across male and female fighter siblings, suggesting common genetic and physiological mechanisms to male and female aggression in this species. Females of the fighter strain, which are not used for fights, were also more aggressive than wild-type females. ![]() Wild-type males were less active and exhibited aggressive displays mostly in close proximity to the stimuli. Fighter males had an overall higher swimming activity, performing frequent fast strikes in the direction of the intruder and displaying from a distance. Differences were not only quantitative but the pattern of fight display was also divergent. Fighter males were more aggressive than wild-type males for all measured behaviours. ![]() The aggressive response of adult fish was tested against their mirror image or a size-matched conspecific. We assessed the results of this long-term selection process by comparing under standard laboratory conditions male and female aggressive behaviour of one strain selected for staged fights (“fighters”) and one strain of wild-types. Breeders discard losing batches and reproduce winner batches with the aim of increasing fight performance. During the selection process, matched for size males fight in a small tank until the contest is resolved. In Southeast Asia, males of the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens have been selected across centuries for paired-staged fights. ![]()
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