Short-term captivity drives hypothalamic plasticity and asymmetry in wild-caught northern red bellied dace (Chrosomus eos).

Abstract

Teleost fish are neuroplastic and are known to alter their brain morphology and behaviour in response to environmental change such as an increase in predation pressure. The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating behavioural responses to predation risk. In this study, wild-caught northern red bellied dace (Chrosomus eos) developed smaller and less symmetric hypothalami when held in captivity for 14 days; both measures correlated with boldness in a latency to emerge test. This study's results highlight the potential impact of short-term holding conditions on brains and behaviour.