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Mirror Biting Elwood
SKU ME-4849
$1,490.00
IncludesStandard care
Dual-tank apparatus with mirrors for studying fish aggression, lateralization, and agonistic behavior in zebrafish and convict cichlids under controlled laboratory conditions.
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Convict cichlids, Zebrafish
- SKU family
- ME-4849
- Shipping box
- 43.2 x 38.0 x 27.9 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Mirror Biting Elwood is a specialized apparatus designed for investigating aggressive behavior and lateralization in fish species, particularly zebrafish and convict cichlids. This system consists of two identical holding tanks (30 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm) configured for mirror-induced aggression studies, enabling researchers to examine agonistic interactions without the complications of live opponent variables or pseudo-replication concerns.
The apparatus utilizes 20 x 20 cm mirrors to elicit consistent aggressive responses, allowing for controlled studies of lateral display bias, mutual cooperation evolution, and information exchange during agonistic encounters. With standardized water depth (15 cm), gravel substrate (2 cm), and maintained temperature conditions (approximately 27°C), the system provides reproducible experimental conditions for behavioral phenotyping and aggression paradigm research.
How It Works
The Mirror Biting Elwood operates on the principle of mirror-induced self-directed aggression, where fish perceive their reflection as a conspecific intruder. When a subject approaches the mirror, it triggers species-typical aggressive displays including lateral displays, fin erection, and biting attempts directed at the mirror surface. This response occurs because fish lack self-recognition abilities and interpret the mirror image as a territorial threat.
The standardized dual-tank design eliminates variables associated with live opponent studies, as the mirror provides a consistent stimulus that responds predictably to the subject's movements. The 20 x 20 cm mirror size ensures adequate visual stimulus coverage, while the controlled water temperature (27°C) and lighting conditions (12:12 hour cycle) maintain optimal behavioral responsiveness. The apparatus measures display angles relative to a 45-degree threshold, allowing quantification of lateralization preferences during aggressive encounters.
Behavioral measurements focus on display duration, bite frequency, and angular positioning relative to the mirror surface. The isolation period (1-2 weeks) prior to testing ensures heightened territorial motivation, while the 30-minute observation periods with 10-15 minute intervals between tests provide sufficient data collection time while preventing habituation effects.
Features & Benefits
Dual identical tank system
Enables simultaneous testing or direct comparisons between subjects while maintaining standardized conditions.
20 x 20 cm mirror dimensions
Provides optimal visual stimulus size for consistent aggressive responses across different fish species.
Standardized water depth (15 cm)
Ensures consistent behavioral expression and prevents depth-related confounding variables in aggression studies.
Temperature control at 27°C
Maintains optimal metabolic and behavioral activity levels for reliable aggression measurements.
45-degree angle threshold measurement
Allows precise quantification of lateral display bias and lateralization preferences during aggressive encounters.
Controlled isolation protocol (1-2 weeks)
Standardizes territorial motivation levels across subjects for consistent experimental results.
Standardized observation periods (30 minutes)
Provides sufficient data collection time while preventing behavioral habituation to mirror stimulus.
Grey tank coloration
Minimizes visual distractions and background interference that could affect behavioral measurements.
Mirror Size
- 20 x 20 cm
Water Depth
- 15 cm
Gravel Depth
- 2 cm
Water Temperature
- approximately 27°C
Light Cycle
- 12:12 hour light/dark cycle
Isolation Period
- 1 to 2 weeks
Observation Duration
- 30 minutes
Test Interval
- 10-15 minutes between tests
Display Angle Threshold
- 45 degrees
Number of Tanks
- 2 identical tanks
Behavioral Construct
- aggression
- lateralization
- territorial behavior
- agonistic behavior
- social behavior
Automation Level
- manual
Color
- Grey
Species
- Convict cichlids
- Zebrafish
Display Type
- None
Dimensions
- 30 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm
Research Domain
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Developmental Biology
- Environmental Monitoring
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Shipping weight
- 21.0 lb
Shipping box
- L: 43.2 cm
- W: 38.0 cm
- H: 27.9 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Dimensions | 30 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm dual tanks | Single tank systems often use smaller chambers | Larger tank size allows more natural swimming behavior and reduces spatial stress during testing. |
| Mirror Size | 20 x 20 cm mirrors | Smaller mirrors may provide limited visual stimulus | Large mirror surface ensures consistent visual stimulus across different fish sizes and species. |
| System Configuration | Dual identical tank setup | Most systems use single tank configurations | Enables simultaneous testing and direct behavioral comparisons between subjects. |
| Water Depth Control | Standardized 15 cm depth | Variable depth settings in basic systems | Controlled depth eliminates confounding variables and ensures consistent behavioral expression. |
| Protocol Standardization | Defined isolation periods and observation windows | Many systems lack standardized protocols | Ensures reproducible results and facilitates comparison across studies and laboratories. |
The Mirror Biting Elwood provides a comprehensive dual-tank system with standardized dimensions and protocols specifically designed for fish aggression studies. The system's defined parameters for water depth, temperature, and observation periods ensure consistent experimental conditions for reliable behavioral measurements.
Behavioral Neuroscience
Investigating lateral display bias and right-eye preference during aggressive encounters to understand neurological asymmetries in fish behavior.
Neuroscience
Examining the neural mechanisms underlying agonistic behavior patterns and mirror-induced aggression responses in laboratory fish models.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Assessing the effects of pharmacological interventions on aggressive behavior intensity and lateralization patterns in fish aggression models.
Toxicology
Evaluating behavioral toxicity endpoints by measuring changes in aggressive behavior and display patterns following chemical exposure.
Developmental Biology
Studying the ontogeny of aggressive behavior and lateralization development across different life stages in fish species.
Environmental Monitoring
Using behavioral aggression responses as biomarkers to assess environmental stressor impacts on fish behavior in aquatic ecosystems.
Practical Tips
Calibration
Verify mirror angles and positioning before each session to ensure consistent visual stimulus presentation.
Why: Improper mirror positioning can alter behavioral responses and introduce measurement variability.
Maintenance
Clean mirrors thoroughly between subjects using aquarium-safe glass cleaners to eliminate visual distortions.
Why: Scratches or residue on mirrors can affect behavioral responses and compromise data quality.
Best Practices
Allow 5-10 minutes for subject habituation in the tank before mirror introduction to establish baseline behavior.
Why: Baseline measurements improve data interpretation and help distinguish mirror-specific responses from general activity.
Troubleshooting
If subjects show reduced aggression, verify water temperature is maintained at 27°C and check isolation period duration.
Why: Temperature and territorial motivation directly affect aggressive behavior intensity and experimental reliability.
Data Quality
Record multiple 30-minute sessions per subject with adequate inter-session intervals to assess behavioral consistency.
Why: Multiple measurements improve statistical power and help identify individual variation in aggressive responses.
Safety
Use aquarium-safe materials for all tank components and ensure electrical equipment is properly grounded.
Why: Prevents chemical contamination and electrical hazards in aquatic experimental environments.
Best Practices
Maintain consistent lighting conditions throughout testing to prevent circadian-related behavioral variations.
Why: Light intensity and timing affect fish activity levels and can confound aggression measurements.
Setup Guide
Tank Preparation
Set up two identical 30 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm tanks with 2 cm gravel substrate and fill to 15 cm water depth using dechlorinated water.
Environmental Controls
Install heating systems to maintain water temperature at approximately 27°C and establish 12:12 hour light/dark cycle illumination.
Mirror Installation
Position 20 x 20 cm mirrors vertically against one wall of each tank, ensuring secure mounting and minimal distortion.
Subject Isolation
Isolate test subjects individually for 1-2 weeks prior to testing to increase territorial motivation and aggressive responsiveness.
Recording Setup
Position cameras or observation stations to clearly view both the subject and mirror, ensuring 45-degree angle measurements are possible.
Baseline Habituation
Allow subjects 5-10 minutes in the tank without mirror exposure to establish baseline behavior before mirror introduction.
Data Collection Protocol
Conduct 30-minute observation sessions with 10-15 minute intervals between successive tests to prevent habituation effects.
What’s in the Box
- Two identical holding tanks (30 x 20 x 20 cm)
- Two mirrors (20 x 20 cm each)
- Tank mounting hardware (typical)
- Setup and protocol documentation (typical)
- Gravel substrate samples (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesCommonly used in behavioral studies that require standardized reporting of animal research methodology and experimental design.
IACUC ProtocolsSupports animal welfare compliance in institutional protocols governing fish behavioral research and aggression studies.
Laboratory Animal Welfare StandardsUsed in research facilities subject to animal care and use regulations for aquatic model organisms.
Protocol and background
Introduction
Mirror tests are a popular method used in studies of agonistic interaction, especially in fish aggression studies as they require fewer participants and avoid pseudo-replication. Mirrors also provoke a strong, aggressive response in the subject without endangering them. Mirror test serves as a simple approach to understanding the evolution of mutual cooperation and information exchange in agonistic encounters and the role of lateralization. The bite test shows that zebrafish involves lateral display bias to their right side using right eye (Miklosi and Andrew, 1999). The mirror test helps investigate the significance of lateral displays between a real opponent and against a mirror.
Elwood’s mirror test apparatus includes two individual holding tanks, which are identical in their conditions, separated by a removable grey opaque partition that visually isolated the fishes (convict cichlids) in the tanks from each other. The partition could be used to expose the real opponent or replaced with a mirror.
Apparatus and Equipment
The tanks of dimensions 30 x 20 x 20 cm serve as both the holding tank and the experimental setup. A grey opaque divider acts as a visual block for the subjects in the tanks. During the experimental process requiring a mirror, the opaque divider is replaced with a 20 x 20 cm mirror. The usage of individual tanks avoids the ethical concerns associated with transferring the subjects between test sessions and causing any physical harm.
Training Protocol
The subjects are housed individually in their holding tanks aligned end to end separated by a grey opaque visual divider. Each tank can be lined with gravel with an approximate depth of 2 cm. The subjects are maintained in a 12:12 hour light/dark cycle at a depth of 15 cm in aerated water. The temperature of the setup is maintained at approximately 27oC. The subjects are fed every other day and after observation on the day of experimentation. The subjects are kept isolated for 1 to 2 weeks prior to the experimentation. The experimentation process takes place in a disturbance-free setup and is recorded using an automated video tracker Noldus Ethovision XT.
The subjects are tested for two hypotheses, one in which the focal subject faces a real opponent, and in the other, a mirror replaces an opponent to observe the response of individual display and lateral display (Elwood et al., 2014). The experiments are carried out twice for each subject without pseudo-replication. A gap of 10-15 minutes is maintained between each test.
For observation with a real opponent, the focal subject is exposed to stimulus subject on the right by the removal of the opaque divider. The subjects are observed for 30 minutes. For the mirror based experiment, the divider is removed and immediately replaced with the mirror.
Sample Data
During the experiments, focal subject activities were recorded for right and left lateral displays and frontal displays. When the subject was displaying its right lateral side at an angle of 45o or less to the glass at the end of the tank closest to the mirror or opponent, it is recorded as a right lateral display. Similarly, left lateral display is recorded when the subject perfers left lateral side. A front display is recorded when the subject was head-on to the glass, that is at an angle greater than 45o. The data is also recorded for the frequency of display and duration of each display.
Analysis revealed that real opponents evoked more displays and total duration of displays than a mirror.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
Mirror biting tests don’t require a large sample size since each subject used is a focal subject. The ethical and welfare concerns often associated with experiments are also avoided as the holding tanks also function as the experimental setup. Mirror tests serve as a simple, straightforward and inexpensive method for studying the agonistic encounters in fishes.
Limitations
Although the mirror biting test allows some understanding of lateral displays and contest interactions, its effectiveness is debatable since mirror evoked behaviors do not mimic conspecific-driven behaviors and physiological responses.
Summary and Key Points
- The subjects are housed individually in holding tanks, which also functioned as the experimental setup, thereby avoiding any ethical concerns
- The subjects are observed for lateral display when subjected to a real opponent and a mirror
- The subjects are isolated for 1-2 weeks prior to the experiment to minimize the influence of prior wins or loss
References
- Miklosi A, Andrew RJ. (1999) Right eye use associated with decision to bite in Zebrafish : Behavioral Brain Research
- Robert W. Elwood, Velizara Stoilova, Amy McDonnell, Ryan L. Earley, Gareth Arnott. (2014). Do mirrors reflect reality in agonistic encounters? A test of mutual cooperation in displays. Animal Behaviour 97, 63-67
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What is the optimal isolation period before testing to ensure consistent aggressive responses?
A
Subjects should be isolated for 1-2 weeks prior to testing to increase territorial motivation and ensure reliable aggressive responses to mirror stimuli.
Q
How should the 45-degree angle threshold be measured for lateralization studies?
A
The 45-degree threshold refers to the angular positioning of the fish relative to the mirror surface, measured from the fish's longitudinal axis to quantify lateral display preferences.
Q
What water conditions are required for optimal behavioral expression?
A
Maintain water temperature at approximately 27°C with 15 cm depth over 2 cm gravel substrate, using dechlorinated water under 12:12 hour light/dark cycles.
Q
How long should observation periods be to collect adequate behavioral data?
A
Standard observation periods are 30 minutes per session, with 10-15 minute intervals between successive tests to prevent habituation effects.
Q
Can this apparatus be used for species other than zebrafish and convict cichlids?
A
The system is optimized for zebrafish and convict cichlids, though other similarly-sized aggressive fish species may be suitable with protocol modifications.
Q
What behavioral parameters can be measured using this system?
A
Key measurements include display duration, bite frequency, lateral display bias, angular positioning relative to mirror, and overall aggression intensity.
Q
How should tanks be cleaned and maintained between testing sessions?
A
Tanks should be thoroughly cleaned with aquarium-safe disinfectants between subjects, with mirrors cleaned to eliminate visual distortions that could affect behavioral responses.
Q
What recording equipment is recommended for data collection?
A
High-resolution cameras positioned to capture both subject and mirror interactions are recommended, with capability to measure angular positioning and behavioral timing.
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