Fish prove intelligence: test results reveal surprising skills

Fish prove intelligence: test results reveal surprising skills

Wageningen, Niederlande - scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to test the intelligence of fish in their natural environment. Led by researcher Kotrschal from the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands, the new apparatus that fish that have been removed from their habitat have increased stress hormone levels, which can negatively influence their ability to learn. This could indicate that the results of laboratory studies distort the cognitive performance of fish, as Kotrschal explains in a specialist article.

innovative tests in the water

The test consists of an innovative "feeding board" on which plastic slices are mounted that cover the access to food. The fish must learn to push these slices aside to get to the rewards. This apparatus can be used both on the bottom of the water and in different water depths, which makes it very versatile. The researchers have already achieved positive results with nine -stitched Stichlingen and Gupies. In the stitch lines, it was observed that they could distinguish colors while the guppies were able to distinguish independent fish from exploiting "snorting".

The results are astonishing: About one fifth guppy was able to solve the tasks competently by opening the color slices to get food. The exercise not only showed that fish are quite capable of learning and distinguishing, but also that social behaviors are recognizable under the species. These findings from research have the potential to subject our view of the intelligence of fish fundamental change, since they take their cognitive skills into account in their natural habitat instead of only testing them in a laboratory. Further information can be found in the detailed study by Besjournals.onlinelibrary.com