In many languages, there is the expression 'memory like a goldfish.' But how true is the statement that fish are unable to remember for more than three seconds?
The answer is unequivocal — it’s a myth. Scientific research has long debunked this misconception. In fact, goldfish (Carassius auratus), which are often attributed with limited memory capabilities, have memories that can last for weeks, months, and even years! Scientists began investigating this back in the 1950s.
Callum Brown, a fish specialist from Macquarie University in Australia, emphasizes that goldfish demonstrate such impressive memory that they are often used in various studies aimed at understanding fish behavior. Most of these studies are related to feeding. For example, if goldfish are fed only from one side of the aquarium, they quickly remember where the food comes from and start swimming to that spot, even if there is no food there. These fish are also capable of remembering colors! When food was presented using red and blue floats, they remembered these shades and always approached the spot where the food was located. Interestingly, even after the experiment was over, they continued to prefer a certain color. According to Brown, goldfish also successfully navigate mazes and can find their way out of nets. They are able to repeat such tasks over weeks and even months!
However, it is difficult to determine exactly how long fish can retain memories. Some memories may manifest more frequently, while others less so. This requires years of observation. One thing is certain — fish can remember much more than three seconds!
So why do people in different countries continue to believe in this myth? Brown suggests that it is because most people do not have the opportunity to observe live fish in their everyday lives. For us, fish remain mysterious and incomprehensible creatures. Humans better understand the behavior of land animals, so the habits of aquatic inhabitants remain a mystery to them.
