Hunger shapes predator avoidance behaviour in zebrafish

Behavioral plasticity arises from a dynamic interplay between an organism’s metabolic state and external cues. Effective decision-making requires flexibility to weigh potential costs and benefits for survival. In zebrafish, hunger heightens the perception of small black dots as prey, increasing approach frequency compared to well-fed individuals. When presented simultaneously with prey-like dots and a sympatric predator, normally fed fish avoid both stimuli, whereas hungry fish take greater risks by approaching the dots despite nearby predatory cues. This shift reflects a hunger-induced recalibration of predatory–prey perception that favors nutritional gain over safety. Thus, metabolic state can pivot zebrafish behavior from avoidance to active pursuit in the face of conflicting survival demands.

Recommended citation: Chathooth, N., Chalil, Malik. M. S., Sivarajan, D., Kuniyil, A. A., & Ramachandran, B. (2025).Hunger shapes predator avoidance behaviour in zebrafish, Ethology Ecology & Evolution
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