Effects of the neutral household detergent on the behaviour and personality of guppy Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859) (Osteichthyes: Poeciliidae).

Abstract

Chemical pollution of aquatic environments has been increasing in recent times, causing great damage to the ecosystems and to the fishery sector. Pollutants can negatively alter an animals’ life, and in this investigation, we verify if a neutral household detergent, one of the most common aquatic pollutants, causes changes in the behaviour and personality of guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Thirty milligrams per litre of detergent was added to the water of two aquariums and the behaviour of eight adult guppies were recorded using focal method with instantaneous recording of behaviours every 15 s, for 30 min daily. Results showed that the detergent modified the behaviour and the personality of guppies, making them shier and more inactive. Thus, more efficient disposal techniques should be applied or developed to avoid the pollution of aquatic environments.