First tamed during the Chinese Sun Dynasty over a millennium ago, through selective breeding, there are now over 100 different types of goldfish. Despite claims that goldfish aren’t the smartest fish in the tank, researchers are uncovering evidence that may debunk this theory.
A study conducted by Jonathan Lovell at Plymouth University revealed that certain fish can be successfully taught to swim towards a specific sound. To test his hypothesis, Lovell plans to release domesticated “trained” fish into the ocean and summon them to a designated feeding area by playing a sound they have learned to associate with food.
Cullum Brown at the University of Edinburgh studied two groups of fish: those familiar with their tank and those recently introduced to it.
Brown placed a net with a hole in the center into the tank, sweeping it from side to side. The fish that were acquainted with the tank were more proficient in escaping through the hole in the net.
Brown hypothesizes that the “familiar fish” understood their tank and did not perceive it as a threat. This allowed them to concentrate on the newly introduced threat – the net – and find a way to escape more easily and quickly.
Remarkably, when Brown conducted the same experiment with the fish 11 months later, the familiar fish remembered the net so well that they were able to escape effortlessly once again.
Although 11 months may not seem like a significant amount of time, it is almost one-third of the lifespan of Brown’s fish subjects. It would be similar to a human remembering how to perform a task they had only done once – 25 years later!
Many owners assert that their goldfish have learned to recognize their faces and will swim to the edge of the tank when they approach. Some even claim that their goldfish have learned to “beg” for food and will hover at the surface of the tank when people enter the room.
If these claims are true, the goldfish have mastered “associative learning” by recognizing that the presence of humans sometimes indicates the presence of food. This principle is akin to the one explored by Ivan Pavlov in his famous experiment, where he trained dogs to associate the sound of a ringing bell with the arrival of food.
Give it a Try
Discover more about…learning! Engage in these activities with a friend or family member.
Artist Henri Matisse chose goldfish as the main subject for his paintings. Take a look at his artwork called The Goldfish (1912). Afterward, visit Toy Theater’s Doodle Matisse activity! You can contribute your own artistic touch and maybe even add a goldfish to the artwork. Please note that you can use a computer mouse or your finger on a tablet to draw. If you prefer an offline activity, you can use Matisse’s The Goldfish as inspiration for your own artwork using materials you already have. Don’t forget to incorporate things that are important to you!
Changing or establishing new habits can be challenging. Read the article about exercise on KidsHealth to learn more. If you already engage in regular exercise, create a poster showcasing the positive effects of physical activity and share it with a friend or family member. If you don’t exercise regularly, make a poster outlining your plan to start and consult with a trusted adult before beginning.
If you need to prepare for a test or learn math facts, go through KidsHealth’s Six Steps to Smarter Studying. Which tips did you find most useful? Are there any strategies that you anticipate might be difficult for you to implement? Discuss your findings with a family member or trusted adult to create a study plan if you don’t already have one.
FAQ
1. Can you train a goldfish?
Yes, you can train a goldfish. Although they have small brains, goldfish are capable of learning and remembering certain behaviors. By using positive reinforcement techniques, such as food rewards, you can teach your goldfish to perform simple tricks or follow basic commands. It’s important to be patient and consistent in your training efforts, as goldfish have a short attention span. With time and practice, you can develop a bond with your goldfish and enjoy the process of training.
2. What tricks can you teach a goldfish?
Goldfish can be trained to perform a variety of tricks. Some common tricks include swimming through hoops, pushing a small ball, or following your finger. These tricks can be taught by using food rewards as positive reinforcement. Start by associating a specific command or gesture with the desired behavior, and reward your goldfish with a small piece of food when they successfully perform the trick. Repeat the process consistently until your goldfish learns to associate the command with the behavior.
3. How long does it take to train a goldfish?
The time it takes to train a goldfish can vary depending on the individual fish and the complexity of the trick or behavior you are trying to teach. Some goldfish may learn simple tricks within a few days, while others may take weeks or even months to master more complex behaviors. Patience and consistency are key when training a goldfish. It’s important to work with your goldfish in short, regular training sessions to keep their attention and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or stressed.
4. What are some tips for training a goldfish?
When training a goldfish, it’s important to create a positive and comfortable environment. Use a small, well-maintained tank or aquarium with clear water and appropriate filtration. Start with simple tricks or behaviors and gradually increase the difficulty as your goldfish becomes more confident and skilled. Use small food rewards, such as flakes or pellets, to motivate your goldfish and reinforce positive behavior. Be patient and consistent in your training efforts, and always reward your goldfish immediately after they perform the desired behavior.
5. Can goldfish remember their training?
Goldfish have a surprisingly good memory and can remember their training. They are capable of associating specific commands or gestures with certain behaviors and can recall these associations even after a period of time. However, it’s important to note that goldfish have a relatively short attention span, so regular reinforcement and practice are necessary to maintain their trained behaviors. If you stop training or reinforcing certain behaviors, your goldfish may gradually forget or lose interest in performing those tricks.
6. Are there any limitations to training a goldfish?
While goldfish can be trained to perform certain tricks and behaviors, there are some limitations to their training abilities. Due to their small brains and short attention spans, goldfish may not be able to learn complex or intricate tricks. They are best suited for simple behaviors and commands. Additionally, goldfish may have individual personalities and temperaments, which can affect their willingness to participate in training. It’s important to respect your goldfish’s limits and not force them to perform behaviors that may cause them stress or discomfort.
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