Do fish remember, or live in the moment?

[carlson]

I just bought a female clown fish to go with my male clown from a lfs. The female came from a tank full of Clown fish with a big carpet anemone. A few of the clown fish were chasing the others away from the nem like they do after some claim it, and I believe one of the ones I bought was hosting the nem and was already paired up with another clown. She hasn't taken a liking to mine and actually avoids it. She also swims like she's stressed out by frantically darting all over the tank. Do you think she could be stressed out from missing the home she used to have?

 

[carlson]

I'll also say that she eats great and is healthy as a horse, just behaves funny. I know this post is weird, but kinda interesting right?

 

[ca1ore]

I think it's easy to anthropomorphize fish and ascribe human traits .... but fish clearly 'remember' some things. I'd doubt your clown has any recollection of past nems though.

 

[Russ265]

when i walk up to the tank they evidently remember me as "the candy man" and assume their feeding positions.

but as ca1ore probably stated, i doubt they are reminising about the good ol days with nemmie.

...then again, ive seen depression of a mated pair when one died.

so plausible

 

[Tahoe61]

when i walk up to the tank they evidently remember me as "the candy man" and assume their feeding positions.

but as ca1ore probably stated, i doubt they are reminising about the good ol days with nemmie.

...then again, ive seen depression of a mated pair when one died.

so plausible

I too have had fish mourn the loss of a mate. My female clown did not eat for over a week after the male died, she also stayed hidden in the rock work, I thought she was a goner.

When my fish see me walking a 100 ft away over to the cupboard where their fish food is they know exactly what I am doing.