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Cannabidiol on aggression in betta fish ( Betta splendens ).
Mariangel Varela1,2, Charlotte C Gard3, Wiebke J Boeing4
1Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Behavioural Pharmacology
|April 2, 2025
Summary
Cannabidiol (CBD) may reduce aggression in Siamese fighting fish. While CBD treatment significantly lowered aggressive behaviors, a low dose caused lethargy, and long-term effects require further study.
Area of Science:
- Ethology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly popular for its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties.
- Limited research exists on CBD's efficacy in mitigating aggressive behaviors.
- The study investigates CBD's potential to address aggression in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if CBD administration can reduce aggression in Betta fish during territorial disputes.
- To evaluate dose-dependent effects of CBD on aggressive behaviors and associated lethargy.
Main Methods:
- Betta fish were exposed to varying concentrations of CBD (2, 10, 20 mg/L) or control solutions (water, acetone).
- Aggressive behaviors were recorded after the introduction of an intruder fish.
- Behavioral responses were quantified to assess the impact of CBD treatment.
Main Results:
- CBD treatment significantly reduced the incidence of aggressive behavior, with only 17% of treated fish showing aggression compared to 75% in controls.
- A low CBD dose (2 mg/L) was particularly effective in preventing aggression but induced lethargy.
- CBD did not reduce the duration of aggressive displays once initiated.
Conclusions:
- CBD shows potential as a strategy to decrease aggression in Betta fish.
- Further research is needed to examine long-term effects and optimize dosage to avoid side effects like lethargy.
- Findings suggest CBD may have broader applications for managing aggression in companion animals.
