Effects of Shock Intensity on Shuttlebox Avoidance Conditioning in Goldfish

40 goldfish were subjected to shuttlebox avoidance acquisition at 4 shock intensity levels from 3 V to 9 V. The results showed an inverted U-shaped curve, similar to that found in dogs, with an optimum at 7 V. The curve for intertrial responding was similar to the acquisition function. Conditioning at 10 V was unsuccessful, so that 9 V may approach the physical limit to which the fish can withstand shock. The response decrement at 9 V may be due to the debilitating effects of shock.

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