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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

Published on: October 19, 2011

A short note on how tied fights affect cortisol levels.

Edwin L Cooper¹, Kathy T Ngo

¹Department of Neurobiology, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Integrative Zoology

|September 12, 2013

Summary

Mirror aggression in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) did not increase cortisol or melatonin. This suggests that social stress from mirror image fighting may not trigger significant hormonal changes in these fish.

Keywords:

cortisol hormone level melatonin social stress tilapia

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Ethology
Fish Biology

Background:

Sex steroids (androgens, testosterones) influence social behavior in teleosts.
Previous studies suggest mirror-elicited aggression may not elicit hormonal responses in cichlids.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate immune and hormonal responses to social stress in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
To analyze the relationship between mirror-elicited aggression and hormone levels (cortisol, melatonin).

Main Methods:

Utilized Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to measure cortisol and melatonin levels.
Observed social stress responses in Mozambique tilapia during mirror image confrontations.

Main Results:

Cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in tilapia fighting their mirror image.
Melatonin levels remained unchanged despite the social stressor.
Indicated that certain hormone levels, like androgens, may remain stable due to lack of melatonin induction in tied fights.

Conclusions:

Social stress induced by mirror image confrontation in Mozambique tilapia does not lead to increased cortisol or melatonin.
The findings challenge the assumption that aggressive social interactions invariably trigger significant endocrine responses in teleosts.