We compared preferences shown by zebrafish Danio rerio and three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus for shelter provided by above-tank shade and artificial plants. Zebrafish showed no preference for either shelter, whereas sticklebacks showed a preference for both shelter types over open areas and for shade over plants. Our results suggest shade may be used as enrichment for captive fish and re-emphasise the importance of species-specific welfare considerations.
Keywords: environmental enrichment; fish husbandry; fish welfare; shelter; three-spined stickleback; zebrafish.
© 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.