For a long time, there has been a persistent myth that claims that fish have a bad memoryThis myth has been fueled by popular culture and cinema, but numerous scientific studies have shown the opposite: fish have much more to offer in terms of memory and intelligence than is commonly believed. Various investigations carried out in recent years have provided solid evidence which confirm that these aquatic animals possess amazing cognitive abilities, even greater than most people could imagine.
In this article, we'll dive deeper into the latest research and what it tells us about fish memory, debunk the myths surrounding this topic, and explain how these tiny creatures use their memory to the memory to survive and thrive in their natural environments.
The 30-second myth: Where does it come from?
The belief that fish only have a 30-second memory is one of the most deeply rooted ideas in popular culture. This myth has been perpetuated by iconic characters such as Dory, the blue tang from the film Finding Nemo, who suffers from a supposed "short-term memory loss." However, the reality is very different. The scientific community has shown that fish not only have memory, but that it can last days, weeks and even monthsSo where does this false belief come from?
Some experts believe that the myth may have originated as a joke or as a result of old advertising that abused this idea. Despite its lack of scientific backing, it has persisted for decades due to its acceptance in the popular mindset and entertainment.
Fish memory: What does science say?
Various studies have shown that fish are able to remember key information for much longer periods than the 30 seconds attributed. For example, research such as that carried out by Australian scientists at the Charles Sturt University show that some fish can remember their predators for up to a year after a traumatic encounter. In another study, African cichlids, a popular aquarium species, were trained to associate an area of their tank with a food reward. Surprisingly, after a break from 12 days, the fish still remembered the location of the prize.
In addition to remembering locations, fish are also capable of performing complex memory tasksAn experiment carried out by the University of Plymouth demonstrated that fish could learn and remember the functioning of a system similar to the Skinner's box, showing preference for areas associated with rewards even after long periods of time.
Why do fish need a good memory?
In the wild, a good memory can make the difference between life and death. For fish living in the wild, remembering where to find food and how to avoid predators is critical. Those that are able to associate certain places with an abundance of food or recognize dangerous areas have a good memory. significant evolutionary advantage on those who cannot do so.
A clear example of this is the behavior of fish that have escaped from hooks. Studies have revealed that these fish remember the experience and avoid biting another hook for months, which demonstrates a clear use of long-term memory to ensure its survival.
The intelligence of fish
Memory is not the only surprising aspect of fish cognition. These animals also exhibit behaviors that reflect a remarkable level of intelligence. They are able to learn new skills, adapt to changing environments and even display complex social behaviors.
For example, recent research has found that some fish can recognise shapes, colours, sounds and even the faces of their caretakers. They are also excellent problem solvers, able to learn to escape from nets, navigate mazes and perform tasks that require memory and planning.
Myth vs. reality: how it affects fish in captivity
The myth that fish have poor memory has negatively influenced how they are treated in captivity. Many people assume that because of their supposed lack of memory, fish do not suffer when confined in small aquariums without stimulation. However, studies have shown that fish in captivity can develop abnormal behaviors if they are not provided with an enriched environment that allows them to exercise their cognitive skills.
Providing them with a varied environment, with elements that allow them to explore, hide and search for food, not only improves their well-being, but also stimulates their brain and helps them develop their memory and intelligence.
Lessons for humans
The study of fish memory not only changes our perception of these animals, but also has implications for humans. According to scientist Kevin Warburton, fish behavior can offer valuable information about our own cognition and memory. By analyzing how fish remember and make decisions, we can learn more about the processes of learning and memory in general.
Fish are much more than just aquatic creatures. Their ability to remember, learn and adapt shows that they are complex and intelligent animals that deserve our admiration and respect.