Fish memory

[Aquavaj]

The first time I added a new BT to my tank with an existing YT, the YT was on him instantly. Flashing and trying to slash the BT. After a few days the YT finally let up but the BT came down with something so I removed into QT for treatment. After 3 weeks I added it back but with an hour in a social acclimation box. The YT was only slightly curious but no flashing or trying to bully the BT through the box. Once I let it out it was like the 2 have been in the same tank for weeks already.

So is it likely after 3 weeks the YT still remembered the BT? Maybe they're a lot smarter than we give them credit for.

 

[Pbh-reef]

A recent study suggested fish could remember for months It is a really cool study- I love imagining the fish swimming back to the scientists in the ocean!

https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/do-fish-have-a-three-second-memory

So while it’s impossible to know for sure if your tangs remember each other, it seems very possible that they did

 

[Old Fritz]

the three second memory thing for gold fish is a myth. While I can't speak for yellow or blue tangs, gold fish have a 5 month memory according to research done https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/sc...-memories-last-for-months-say-scientists.html . If you've ever kept goldfish you might've noticed some of their intelligence. for example my girlfriend had two and when one got a swim bladder disorder the other tried to prop him up. Heck there are goldfish being taught tricks and some goldfish even let you pet them. As for saltwater fish I think they are probably just about as smart if not smarter than goldfish, but such a claim is hard to prove

 

[Kendrid]

When I put a green cup on top of my tank my fish go crazy because they know food is coming. I can skip days and they will still freak out when I place the cup so they remember for at least a few days.

 

[ca1ore]

Maybe they're a lot smarter than we give them credit for.

I don't think so. Doesn't mean they lack all cognitive function, but they are mostly 'dumb' as a rock. Put a mirror on the end of your tanks and see how long some of them spend sparring with their reflection.

 

[Jesterrace]

A recent study suggested fish could remember for months It is a really cool study- I love imagining the fish swimming back to the scientists in the ocean!

https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/do-fish-have-a-three-second-memory

So while it’s impossible to know for sure if your tangs remember each other, it seems very possible that they did

Fish are much smarter than folks give them credit for. My fish are smart enough to know that when I feed them they head to the left side of the tank (where I normally feed), and when my wife feeds them they head to the right side of the tank (where she normally feeds). Keep in mind this is before we even pull the food out to actually feed. So they clearly have the ability to have some form of discernment/association with different people.

 

[Old Fritz]

I don't think so. Doesn't mean they lack all cognitive function, but they are mostly 'dumb' as a rock. Put a mirror on the end of your tanks and see how long some of them spend sparring with their reflection.

Most animals in the world can't recognize their own reflection. Even my car sizes up her own reflection. However i don't think fish are super smart or anything. The food example is just conditioning. Its like Pavlov's dogs. It just shows the fish can make connections. Otherwise it's hard to prove intelligence

 

[paul gerrard]

You may find this interesting.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/...sse-self-aware-mirror-test-intelligence-news/

 

[Instigate]

I don't think so. Doesn't mean they lack all cognitive function, but they are mostly 'dumb' as a rock. Put a mirror on the end of your tanks and see how long some of them spend sparring with their reflection.

But potentially as smart as any of these animals ya? lol

 

[Katrina71]

Have you have never been in a ladies fitting room during bathing suit season? We spar with our own reflection as well.

 

[ca1ore]

Have you have never been in a ladies fitting room during bathing suit season?

On the advice of my attorney, I cannot answer that question.

 

[ca1ore]

But potentially as smart as any of these animals ya? lol

Probably not! Fish do what they do. We can anthropomorphize them all day long; doesn’t change that fact. I wonder what the rest of that silverback’s tribe was thinking though ..... ‘man, serge really is dumb as a rock, we need to find a new leader’.

 

[Jesterrace]

On the advice of my attorney, I cannot answer that question.

One of the best posts I have seen in a long time. Priceless. :D