Article,
Male versus female Siamese fighting fish as reinforcing stimuli for conspecific males in single- and two-choice operant situations
Learning and Motivation, 8 (2): 263--274 (May 1977)
Abstract
Two experiments determined the reinforcing effectiveness of visual exposure to a female vs a male stimulus in 24 male Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). This was accomplished by making male or female presentation contingent upon an operant ring swimming response in single- (Exp I) and 2-choice (Exp II) continuous reinforcement operant situations for 1 hr/day. It was found that visual exposure to a female stimulus was behaviorally reinforcing in a way comparable to that typically found in intermale studies. If given a choice, male test Ss demonstrated a consistent preference for the female as opposed to the male stimulus. Results are discussed in terms of stimulus discrimination and approach-avoidance conflict as differentially elicited by male and female target stimuli.
