The memory of goldfish can last for several months, or even more than a year.
For a long time, there have been many misunderstandings about the memory of goldfish, such as the claims that "goldfish only have a seven-second memory" or "a three-second memory." However, scientific research shows that the memory of goldfish far exceeds these rumors, and the specific manifestations are as follows:
The duration of memory can reach several months or even a year.
Multiple experiments have proven that the memory of goldfish can last for several months, or even more than a year. For example, goldfish can remember the behavior of avoiding electric shocks for up to a month, and they can also remember the appearance of their owners for up to three months.
Complex learning and memory abilities
Goldfish can not only remember simple behavior patterns but also master complex tasks. For instance, research from Osaka University in Japan has found that goldfish can be trained to manipulate the cursor on the screen with their mouths, complete virtual game tasks, and remember the complex routes of a maze.
Visual and spatial memory
Goldfish can recognize human faces through visual features and show hesitant reactions when their owners change their clothes or hairstyles. In addition, they can also remember the foraging routes and dangerous areas, demonstrating powerful spatial memory abilities.
The evolutionary significance of memory
The long-term memory of goldfish is the result of their survival and evolution. They can remember natural enemies, seasonal changes, and social relationships, and they can even pass on the foraging routes to the next generation.
Verification by scientific experiments
For example, an experiment conducted by the University of Michigan in the United States shows that goldfish can remember the behavior of avoiding electric shocks for up to a month. In addition, zebrafish (a fish similar to goldfish) also exhibit similar memory abilities and can remember the red light signals and the routes of a maze.
In conclusion, the memory of goldfish is far more than just seven seconds. They possess complex and long-lasting memory abilities, which are closely related to their survival and evolutionary needs. If you want to learn more about the memory mechanism of goldfish, you can search for goldfish memory experiments or fish neurobiology.