PERSONALITY IN THE GUPPY (POECILIA-RETICULATA) - A CORRELATIONAL STUDY OF EXPLORATORY-BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL TENDENCY

Differences in the exploratory behavior and social tendencies of 29 gu ppies (Poecilia reticulata) in 2 domains of situations involving novel ty and conspecifics were investigated. Consistent individual differenc es were found in most behavior patterns. Two behavioral dimensions (Ac tivity Exploration and Fear Avoidance) were identified in the novelty situations. Likewise, 2 dimensions (Sociability and Locomotion) were f ound in the social situations. An analysis of relationships between th ese 2 test domains revealed the existence of even broader behavioral d imensions (Approach, governing exploration and social attraction, and Fear Avoidance, governing responses to aversive stimulation). Thus, it was shown that ''personality'' may represent an important behavioral category in the guppy provided it is defined precisely and objectively .