Social reinforcement in Betta splendens: A reconsideration.

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Abstract
Two experiments showed that conspecific images release aggressive behavior in male Bettas with an intensity inversely related to the subject-to-image distance. Two other studies showed that part of this ethogram was the alternation of approach and escape maneuvers similar to the pattern of movements observed at the start of combat. These findings, along with a reevaluation of the methods used to demonstrate social reinforcement in these animals, suggest that all of the reinforcement procedures have neglected these species-specific tendencies. Claims that these animals work or are motivated to seek agonistic experiences are ambiguous. Data alleging to demonstrate a process of social reinforcement are more consistent with the hypothesis that fish have been reacting to social cues that have been presented intermittently. Aggression in B. splendens appears not to be governed by response-reinforcement principles. The behavior seems to be modulated, rather, by the qualities of releasing stimuli, i.e., their size, shape and distance from a subject.