Can fish recognize their owners? The science behind fish intelligence

For a long time, fish have been underappreciated in the intelligence sector. In popular media, they were depicted as forgetful, robotic beings with little to no knowledge of their environment. However, scientific studies conducted in the last two decades show a completely different picture. Fish have memory, learning capabilities, social knowledge, and in some instances, remarkably sophisticated cognitive functions.

Shattering the “three-second memory” myth

The common myth that fish have a three-second memory has been proven to be completely baseless. The truth is that many species of fish have been found to retain information for weeks and even months.

Face recognition in fish

One of the most interesting findings in recent years is related to facial recognition. A study conducted in 2016 showed that the archerfish has the ability to recognize different human faces. Archerfish were trained to spit water at a particular face shown on a screen in front of them. They were able to recognize the face even when it was slightly altered.

This result indicates that at least some fish have the ability to visually discriminate in a complex manner. In a home aquarium environment, this could mean that the individual who regularly cares for them is recognized.

Although the recognition is not necessarily emotional in a human way, it is a cognitive process that many people previously believed fish were incapable of.

Associative learning and owner recognition

Fish recognition is often based on associative learning. If an individual consistently provides food, cleans the tank, or interacts with the fish, the fish will begin to make associations between that individual’s appearance and positive experiences.

Species like the betta are often seen swimming towards their owners as they approach the aquarium. Bettas are visually aware and respond to movement outside the glass. They may respond in different ways to known versus unknown individuals over time.

This is not a random response. It is a response based on memory, pattern recognition, and expectation. The fish recognizes that certain stimuli, such as a particular person approaching, mean food or interaction.

Social intelligence beneath the surface

The intelligence of fish is not merely in their recognition of human beings. Many species of fish are highly social and highly intelligent. One of the most fascinating species of fish is the cleaner wrasse.

Research has found that cleaner wrasse are capable of changing their behavior according to reputation and future outcomes. They are more likely to work together if they know that other fish are observing them. They have also been able to pass modified versions of the mirror self-recognition test in laboratory settings. This test was previously considered to be the domain of primates, dolphins, and a few species of birds.

These results indicate that the fish brain, which is different from the mammalian brain, is capable of complex problem-solving and social calculations.

Emotional and sensory awareness

Increasing evidence from scientific research suggests that fish are capable of experiencing stress, fear, and relief. They have pain receptors and sophisticated nervous systems that enable them to interpret their surroundings in complex ways.

If a fish shows consistent behavior in response to the presence of a specific individual, it may not necessarily be a case of “love” in the human emotional context. It could, however, be a case of recognition accompanied by a sense of security or expectation. If the surroundings are consistent and interactions are positive, the behavior of the fish could become more enthusiastic with time.

This is a level of awareness that defies the old myth of fish as instinctual beings.

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!