Back to basics: searching for a comprehensive framework for exploring individual differences in zebrafish (Danio rerio) behavior.

Individual differences (IDs) in behavior among nonhuman animals have been documented in a wide range of taxa. Although traditionally considered noise around an average, other potentially adaptive sources of phenotypic variation exist. IDs in behavior that are consistent across time and context are more recently recognized as expressions of underlying personality traits, which may even be heritable. Unfortunately, despite the rapid advances that have been made in animal personality research utilizing fish the last decade, a few have detailed the groundwork necessary to document consistency in behavior across time and context. This foundation is required, by definition, before one can draw conclusions about personality traits. Here, we examine whether IDs in behavior are consistent over time and across contexts and explore the construct validity of six commonly used behavioral assays for examining four personality traits: aggression, boldness, fear, and exploration. Thirty zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed twice each to a small open field, large open field, mirror, emergence, novel object, and predator response test. Results revealed consistency in most behavioral measures across both time and context. There was mixed evidence for the construct validity of these assays in capturing the targeted personality traits.