6533b86efe1ef96bd12cbd48

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The attack readiness of maleHaplochromis burtoni (Cichlidae, Pisces) reared in isolation

subject

description

The attack readiness of maleHaplochromis burtoni is raised by an optimal dummy (Fig. 1) which possesses the vertical component of the black head pattern but not by a neutral dummy (Fig. 1). Kasper Hausers differ from normal males in that they react to both dummies in the same way — the attack readiness is increased by the same amount. When these Kaspar Hausers are put into community tanks for 8 weeks, they again do not react differently to the two dummies. Whether this difference in reaction to the different dummies is caused by disturbed perceptual development or by a lack of social experience is discussed.