Conditions for recognition of a physical space as two compartments by the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis, Pisces, Anabantidae).
By using a series of aquaria which were more or less separated into two compartments by a "gate" made of plastic or glass strips, we studied how paradise fish changed their patterns of movement relative to the nature of the gates. We found that opaque plastic gates were well recognized by the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) even if the strips were very thin, but that they only changed their pattern of movement when the strips exceeded a certain width. Thus, paradise fish appear to be able to distinguish a physical space of the same size as consisting of either one or two compartments, depending on the material (transparency) and width of the dividing strips.
Csányi
V
V
Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
Tóth
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013550:Swimming