Time series of trajectory data for individual three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) swimming individually and in groups of six individuals

The resource consists of cartesian coordinates, expressed in units of pixels, for fish swimming individually, in groups of six individuals, and in groups of six individuals while presented repeatedly with a food stimulus delivering two food items until satiation. The fish were filmed from above with a high resolution video camera. The data were generated from the images and video using automated two-dimensional tracking software. The data were collected between September 2019 and March 2020 in a controlled fish laboratory at the University of Bristol by the data authors. The data were collected to test how individual temperament and the acquisition of knowledge and satiation interact when animals make foraging decisions in groups. There are instances where one or more fish in a frame could not be tracked. Where such instances occur are indicated in the data files.

The research was funded through NERC grant NE/P012639/1 Hunger and knowledge: foraging decisions in an uncertain and social world.

All procedures regarding the use of animals in research followed United Kingdom guidelines and were approved by the University of Bristol Ethical Review Group (UIN UB/17/060).