how do fish know which is which

[petercaine]

hi all at fishlore thanks to all your replies to my previous posts

now here is a question for all u fish eggsperts (he he)

after purchasing 2 xray tetras we really liked the fish and thought we should get some more which we did when we got them home they instantly swam with the other tetras these were brought from a different shop.

now call me thick if u like but i am amazed how the fish know which are which in such a big tank when some shops say the only have a short memory span

just thought id share my thoughts with u all

thanks i will look forward to ur replies

 

[Isabella]

I agree - it is amazing It must be their instinct I suppose

 

[Butterfly]

Most fish will sometimes school with other fish of similiar shape. So I would say they recognized the shape as being the same as their own Fish know by instinct that they are safer in schools than as solitary fish.
Carol

 

[0morrokh]

Saying that fish have a short memory span is...well I won't say it ;D...but seriously that's just stupid. Fish are extremely intelligent and have very good memories.
Recognising their own species is pretty basic compared to some of the things fish learn.

 

[petercaine]

i would say the same but lots of other people have always said that they have only a three second memory span do you also think it could be something to do with the colour of the fish that they recognize as part of there own breed

 

[Peter243243]

Goldfish have a 2-3 month memory.

3 second memory:
Nut sized brain in a blue whale sized body maybe.

 

[0morrokh]

I have read things about goldfish that make me think it's more than 2-3 months...but anyway yeah 3 seconds is completely ridiculous. I don't know WHO made that one up...

 

[Stradius011]

Goldfish have a 2-3 month memory.

3 second memory:
Nut sized brain in a blue whale sized body maybe.

Actually, researchers have found found that whales' brain cells are similar to humans'.

 

[0morrokh]

Actually, researchers have found found that whales' brain cells are similar to humans'.

nice ;D

 

[Peter243243]

Intellegence works on how the brain cells work, amount of cells, and size of the rest of the body.
I wasn't saying whale weren't smart.
I was saying what it may take of 3 second memory as max. memory.
(Wow, I confuse a lot of people on this site.)

 

[0morrokh]

Don't worry about it. We all have out confusing moments.