Betta splendens

Although aggression is a common behavior displayed by almost all animals, relatively little is known about its social context and neuronal control. The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, is a perfect model for the neural basis of aggression because it shows a stereotypical aggressive display once in sight of other males, females, and mirrors. Preliminary data show that although this display is a typical response, there are often clear behavioral differences between individual fish, as well as unique reactions depending on the social context.

Astyanax mexicanus

The perception of motion is important for the survival and reproduction of many animals, including fish. In the laboratory, support for this idea comes from the observation that many fish show a tendency to follow a series of stripes revolving around a circular aquarium. This response, known as the optomotor response (OMR), is recognized as an innate behavior in many species.