Multiple cues produced by a robotic fish modulate aggressive behaviour in Siamese fighting fishes

Area of Science:

• Ethology
• Robotics
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Robots offer innovative methods for studying animal behavior, yet their use in complex behaviors like aggression is limited.
• Investigating aggression in fish using robotic models can provide novel insights into behavioral triggers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a robotic fish on aggressive responses in Betta splendens.
• To evaluate the impact of multiple signal systems, including light stimuli, on fish aggression.
• To determine if biomimetic shape or any intruder object triggers aggressive responses.

Main Methods:

• Testing Betta splendens with a robotic fish replica designed to elicit aggression.
• Manipulating signal systems, including light stimuli and the replica's cues.
• Comparing responses to the robotic fish with responses to real fish and non-biomimetic objects.

Main Results:

• Male Betta splendens exhibited increased aggressive displays with enhanced stimuli from the robotic fish.
• The robotic fish's full cue sequence elicited aggression exceeding that of real fish opponents.
• The biomimetic shape of the fish replica was essential for conspecific opponent perception and aggressive responses.

Conclusions:

• Multiple signals significantly enhance the efficacy of artificial opponents in eliciting aggressive behavior in fish.
• Optimizing cue combinations in robotic fish can help predict and understand escalating aggression levels.
• Robotic systems provide a valuable tool for studying complex animal behaviors like aggression.