Using demand-feeders, time-place learning association of food was investigated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in 2 small raceways (TR1 and TR2). In order for the fish to be visually identified, they were tagged individually and their behaviour and distribution were monitored by cameras. | Turk J Biol 32 (2008) 209-229 © TÜBİTAK Specific Individuals of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Are Able to Show Time-Place Learning Mohammad Saeed HEYDARNEJAD1, John PURSER2 1 Aquaculture Sector, Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord Uni., POB 115, Shahrekord - IRAN 2 School of Aquaculture, Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1370, Launceston, 7250, Tasmania - AUSTRALIA Received: Abstract: Using demand-feeders, time-place learning association of food was investigated in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in 2 small raceways (TR1 and TR2). In order for the fish to be visually identified, they were tagged individually and their behaviour and distribution were monitored by cameras. Equipping with a demand-feeder, TR1 was assigned to test 2 times/1 place (2T/1P) while 2 demand-feeders were used in TR2 assigned to test 2 times/2 places (2T/2P). After 26 days of restricted feeding (RF) the fish were deprived of food for 3 days. The results of the present study indicate that, at the group level, rainbow trout are not able to clearly demonstrate time-place learning except for some fish in the group. These fish were identified as dominants, in terms of a higher rate of agonistic acts or a greater amount of food eaten. Feeding behaviour was largely influenced by social dominance of the group, especially through territoriality. Key Words: Time-place learning, aggressiveness, social behaviour, rainbow trout Bazı Alabalık (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Bireyleri Zaman-Yer Öğrenme Özellikleri Gösterebilir Özet: Yemlik talebi kullanarak besin ile ilişkili zaman-yer öğrenme konusu küçük tanklarda (TR1 ve TR2) yetiştirilen alabalıklarda (Oncorhynchus mykiss) incelenmiştir. Balıkların görsel olarak izlenebilmesi için her birey etiketlenmiş, davranışları ve dağılımları kameralar ile gözlenmiştir. TR1 tankında yemlik, 2 zaman/1 yer (2T/1P), TR2 de ise 2 zaman/2 yer (2T/2P) şeklinde deney tasarlanmıştır. .
