A study of the behavioural responses in AB, Spd and selectively bred strains of zebrafish

The purpose of this study was threefold: to determine if personality is inheritable through selection, to evaluate if discernable differences in behavioral profiles exist between strains and to gauge the effect that chronic stress has on personality development. This investigation was fundamentally a behavioral study, where three behavioral models were used to evaluate these parameters. Specifically, the open field shelter test, Scototaxis model as well the novel dive test were used to compare six lines of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results from a comparative analysis of these different parameters show that there is a genetic aspect to personality, that variation does exist between the lines and that early life chronic stress may have an influence on personality development.