Document is current

Article History

Received: 6 March 2025

Revised: 1 August 2025

Accepted: 8 August 2025

First Online: 30 August 2025

Declarations

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: This study approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), considering the three R’s principle: replacement, reduction, and refinement. Each captured fish was presented to two focal individuals, reducing the number of animals needed for the experiment. Using a mix of clove oil and ethanol prior to capture reduced the stress caused by this process. After capture, individuals in their containers were placed back into their own territories and covered in a small tarp to allow them to destress and for the effects of the clove oil to wear off. The fish used in this study were contained for no more than 180 min and were released in the same area from which they were caught. Contained fish were presented for 3 min to two focal individuals, equating to 6 min in total per animal. These time limits minimised the duration with which they were subject to aggressive displays and reduced distress to the animals. During presentations, the behaviour of both captured and focal individuals was continually monitored for signs of unnaturally high stress (e.g. swimming rapidly in circles, or withdrawing into a corner and remaining still). The health status of the captured fish was checked after capture and release. Data were collected under permit number DE-MP-108-2023 issued by the Honduran government’s Instituto de Conservación Forestal (ICF). The use of animals adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

: All authors declare that they have no competing interests.