Sv. Budaev, PERSONALITY IN THE GUPPY (POECILIA-RETICULATA) - A CORRELATIONAL STUDY OF EXPLORATORY-BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL TENDENCY, Journal of comparative psychology, 111(4), 1997, pp. 399-411
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
.