Is it true that the memory of fish is only 7 seconds? If not, how long?

Sometimes people say, "Like a fish, I only have seven seconds of memory, so don't expect me to remember." But in fact, scientists have found through research that the memory of fish can last for more than 7 seconds. What are the details? Let's take a look together.

As early as 1965, researchers at the University of Michigan did an experiment with goldfish. They put the goldfish in a big fish tank, shoot a light at one end of the fish tank, and after 20 seconds, release an electric shock at the just-glowing end. Soon, goldfish remembered the electric shock. When they saw the light again, they quickly swam to the other end of the fish tank without waiting for the electric shock to be released. The researchers also found that with reasonable training, these goldfish can remember the skills of avoiding electric shock for a month.

Through such an experiment, would you still say that the memory of fish is only 7 seconds?

In addition to goldfish, there is also a famous ornamental fish-paradise fish, which also has a strong memory. If paradise fish meet strange goldfish in the pool, they will swim around curiously and look at the new strange neighbors until they lose interest. If the paradise fish and goldfish meet for the second time in the water tank, they will soon find themselves meeting old acquaintances, thus losing interest in exploration. Experiments have found that this memory can last for at least 3 months.

Later, scientists found that zebrafish is also a very smart animal, and they can accomplish various tasks. In 2002, researchers at the University of Toledo, Ohio, found that zebrafish would remember the red light signal before eating, and within 10 days after the training was terminated. Zebrafish can quickly learn how to walk a maze, learn to find food according to sound signals, remember the shape of predators, and avoid electric shocks according to tips.

Interestingly, zebrafish and humans have similar memory characteristics. When the stress is too great, zebrafish can't remember things like humans, and distraction will also reduce its learning efficiency. Moreover, the memory of zebrafish will gradually decline with age.

Therefore, don't underestimate the fish's memory and learning ability. There are still many mysteries in nature waiting for us to develop.