Social facilitation of learning in mixed‐species schools of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

摘要: The process of learning to associate a visual cue with food was studied in groups common carp Cyprinus carpio and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus by means classical conditioning paradigm. In the first phase study, fishes were conditioned either single-species or mixed-species blinking blue light food. second phase, group composition altered so that only single species reconditioned, composed individuals previously paired same other species. groups, rapidly formed an association between food, whereas failed do so. both associated retained ability irrespective whether they had been trained tilapia, not repelled gradually approached it from distance, homogenous continued be light. Fish arrivals departures feeding zones as well fish position testing apparatus analysed contrasted outside training sessions, revealing mutual impacts one on groups. findings this study demonstrated interspecific social facilitation