Bayesian analysis improves experimental studies about temporal patterning of aggression in fish.

•We discuss the advantages of Bayesian analysis in dealing with combined variables, non-statistically significant results and sample size.•For the angelfish the use of total attacks could lead to biased conclusions as displays and attacks showed an opposite pattern in the experiment.•Bayesian methods provide a clear description of the changes in the aggressive behavior even when patterns are subtle.•Results showed that the number of replicates (15 or 11) invariant the study conclusions.