Effects of shock on mirror reinforced behavior of Betta splendens
Psychonomic Science, 15 (3):
173-174 (1969)Abstract
Mirror-reinforced operant behavior of 5 male Siamese fighting fish was suppressed when shocks were presented immediately following the response (concurrent with mirror onset). Operant response rate increased when shock was presented at mirror-offset (30 sec. following the operant) or when shocks were presented on a variable interval 3 schedule noncontingent on the S's behavior. It was suggested that shock with mirror-offset and noncontingent shock increase the effectiveness of mirror reinforcement and the opportunity to engage in aggressive display, while shock with mirror onset punishes the operant.