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Short Bio

I am a biologist with a master’s in neuroscience (University of Trieste, IT) and a research focus on animal behaviour. My work investigates the interactions between hormones, behaviour, and the brain in various fish species, including zebrafish and Betta splendens.

During my PhD (ISPA, Portugal and USJ, Macao), I developed a strong interest in stress physiology, investigating how stress influences neuroplasticity, particularly brain cell proliferation, and the roles of nonapeptides such as oxytocin and vasotocin.

My current postdoctoral research continues to explore stress response mechanisms, now in marine medaka, integrating behavioural, endocrine, and neural perspectives.

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Publications

Fusani, B., Cardoso, S. D., Ramos, A. & Gonçalves, D. (2026). Nonapeptide modulation of looming-induced responses in male Betta splendens. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 382, 114965.

Fusani, B., Ramos, A., Cardoso, S. D., & Gonçalves, D. (2025). Vasotocin and oxytocin modulation of the endocrine and behavioral response to an aggressive challenge in male Siamese fighting fish. Hormones and Behavior, 171, 105728.

Fusani, B., & Oliveira, R. F. (2024). “Why (Zebra) fish May Get Ulcers”: Cognitive and Social Modulation of Stress in Fish. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 99(4), 248-256.

Gonçalves, D., Fusani, B., Cardoso, S. D., & Canário, A. V. (2024). Hormones and sexual behavior of teleost fishes. In Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 1 (pp. 159-193). Academic Press.