Goldfish Don't Have a 3-Second Memory, Here’s What You Didn’t Know
Ritika | Jul 31, 2025, 12:00 IST
( Image credit : Unsplash )
We might know nothing about goldfishes except that they have a memory span of 3 seconds, but what if I told you this is just a myth and there is loads of evidence in the past and present that what goldfish actually have is a stunning memory and not the one we know about, that lasts for just mere seconds.
One very common notion about these fish with orange hues is that they have a terrible memory, and thus the famous saying, “you have the memory of a goldfish”, by which one actually means that they don’t remember things or remember them for a shorter period.
But you’ll be shocked to know that these creatures actually have amazing brain power, one that can leave you in awe.
Now, do I love goldfish? Yes. Am I a bit biased towards them? Maybe. So am I defending them out of love? Absolutely not. We have years' worth of science, studies, and evidence behind this cute, amazing being that is currently swimming in your bowl as if it isn’t the most genius one in the home.
Now, if I say that there is so much proof that goldfish have impressive memory, then why is the misconception about it so much more famous than the truth?
Well, there are a variety of reasons, and the exact one remains unclear. Some will use the movie “Finding Nemo” as an example to support this myth, while others say so because of the fish's ability to adapt to changing environments easily and quickly.
Another reason could be the absence of a brain structure shaped like a seahorse, crucial for memory formation, called the hippocampus in fish, which led to pet parents believing the 3 second memory myth about goldfish. It also comes from ignorance and a lack of knowledge about these cute little buddies.
According to a variety of tests and experiments conducted, goldfish possess a memory so impressive that to study memory and learning in fishes, it is even used as a common model.
In fact, if you dig into the history a little bit, you’ll easily come across instances where scientists have successfully trained their memory, teaching them to not only recognize faces but also other stunning things like driving a robotic car.
You think that’s all? Well, a recent study at the University of Oxford, in 2022, has also found them to have the ability to estimate distance. While another study in the same year proves their intelligence by showing that they can recognize different objects and differentiate them too.
I’m sure if you are reading aloud, your goldfish might just be smirking at you. Look at them proudly, because you definitely own a genius in that small aquarium of yours.
Now you must be wondering if they lack a hippocampus, then where do they store their memories, and how are they so genius? No, they don’t secretly have a Doraemon or a computer pencil or magic bread. Instead, they use another structure called a pallium, which performs the memory function in the absence of a hippocampus in fish, especially for spatial memory and for navigation too.
Although the exact extent or duration of their memory hasn’t been found out yet, as different goldfishes behave and remember differently, just like humans do, research in this field is still in continuation. And a lot still needs to be figured out about the memory of these mini cuties in the fish tank, but one thing is established for sure: their memory certainly lasts longer than anything that is measured only seconds.
So keep an eye, one day you might as well be reading how your goldfish caught a thief by remembering their face. Who knows? Better to be prepared than simply underestimating.
Due to less knowledge and less “promotion” of their intelligence, their memory is usually equalized to the small bowl they are given to live in, or, more like, swim in.
But with the right PR, which I certainly wish to do with this article, I believe we can soon have them participating in Olympiads too. Or perhaps put a proposal for them to have a game in the Olympics? That’s quite an idea. Though we have a long way to go.
So next time you find them looking at you, they are just admiring your dress or asking for food and not seeing you for the first time for the one thousandth time. Or they might be mocking your intelligence compared to their own.
And when someone compares your memory to that of a goldfish? Well, take it as a compliment, because it is, and simply smile and be proud.
Now, I believe the fish community will hire me as their PRO, at least the goldfish community surely will. And even though this PR is unpaid, I’m still happy to do it because who doesn’t love Bubbles or Nemo or Finn or whatever it is you have named them. And yes, they do remember their name too!
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at TimesPets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
But you’ll be shocked to know that these creatures actually have amazing brain power, one that can leave you in awe.
Now, do I love goldfish? Yes. Am I a bit biased towards them? Maybe. So am I defending them out of love? Absolutely not. We have years' worth of science, studies, and evidence behind this cute, amazing being that is currently swimming in your bowl as if it isn’t the most genius one in the home.
Why the Myth?
Goldfish close up
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Now, if I say that there is so much proof that goldfish have impressive memory, then why is the misconception about it so much more famous than the truth?
Well, there are a variety of reasons, and the exact one remains unclear. Some will use the movie “Finding Nemo” as an example to support this myth, while others say so because of the fish's ability to adapt to changing environments easily and quickly.
Another reason could be the absence of a brain structure shaped like a seahorse, crucial for memory formation, called the hippocampus in fish, which led to pet parents believing the 3 second memory myth about goldfish. It also comes from ignorance and a lack of knowledge about these cute little buddies.
What Science Says?
Goldfish in aquarium
( Image credit : Unsplash )
According to a variety of tests and experiments conducted, goldfish possess a memory so impressive that to study memory and learning in fishes, it is even used as a common model.
In fact, if you dig into the history a little bit, you’ll easily come across instances where scientists have successfully trained their memory, teaching them to not only recognize faces but also other stunning things like driving a robotic car.
You think that’s all? Well, a recent study at the University of Oxford, in 2022, has also found them to have the ability to estimate distance. While another study in the same year proves their intelligence by showing that they can recognize different objects and differentiate them too.
I’m sure if you are reading aloud, your goldfish might just be smirking at you. Look at them proudly, because you definitely own a genius in that small aquarium of yours.
Where do they store information?
Goldfish swimming in fish tank
( Image credit : Unsplash )
Now you must be wondering if they lack a hippocampus, then where do they store their memories, and how are they so genius? No, they don’t secretly have a Doraemon or a computer pencil or magic bread. Instead, they use another structure called a pallium, which performs the memory function in the absence of a hippocampus in fish, especially for spatial memory and for navigation too.
Although the exact extent or duration of their memory hasn’t been found out yet, as different goldfishes behave and remember differently, just like humans do, research in this field is still in continuation. And a lot still needs to be figured out about the memory of these mini cuties in the fish tank, but one thing is established for sure: their memory certainly lasts longer than anything that is measured only seconds.
So keep an eye, one day you might as well be reading how your goldfish caught a thief by remembering their face. Who knows? Better to be prepared than simply underestimating.
They just need more PR
But with the right PR, which I certainly wish to do with this article, I believe we can soon have them participating in Olympiads too. Or perhaps put a proposal for them to have a game in the Olympics? That’s quite an idea. Though we have a long way to go.
So next time you find them looking at you, they are just admiring your dress or asking for food and not seeing you for the first time for the one thousandth time. Or they might be mocking your intelligence compared to their own.
And when someone compares your memory to that of a goldfish? Well, take it as a compliment, because it is, and simply smile and be proud.
Now, I believe the fish community will hire me as their PRO, at least the goldfish community surely will. And even though this PR is unpaid, I’m still happy to do it because who doesn’t love Bubbles or Nemo or Finn or whatever it is you have named them. And yes, they do remember their name too!
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at TimesPets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What has the shortest memory span?While there are many animals that have short-term memory, fruit flies are usually said to have the shortest memory span.
- Who has the strongest memory?One animal can't be named to possess the strongest memory, but dolphins are said to be one amongst many.
- What is the memory span of goldfish?While the exact duration isn't known, they can remember things for extended periods and certainly not for mere seconds.