Fish Show Signs of Self-Awareness: Study Finds They Recognize Themselves in Photos

 New research suggests that fish may have a level of self-awareness previously thought to be limited to a few select animals. The study, published in the journal PLOS Biology, found that some species of fish can recognize themselves in photographs, a key test of self-recognition.

https://www.scienceinter.com/2022/11/study-reveals-how-ancient-fish.html


The researchers used the mirror self-recognition test (MSR), which involves placing a mark on an animal's body that can only be seen in a mirror. If the animal notices and tries to remove the mark while looking at its reflection, it is considered to have passed the test. The test has been used to demonstrate self-recognition in animals such as great apes, dolphins, elephants, and magpies.


In the new study, the researchers adapted the MSR test for fish by using a digital camera to take photos of the fish with and without a colored marks on their bodies. The fish were then presented with a series of images on a screen, including pictures of themselves with the mark, pictures of another fish with the mark, and pictures of themselves and the other fish without the mark.


The results showed that some of the fish, including the cleaner wrasse and the largemouth bass, spent more time looking at the image of themselves with the mark than at the other images. This suggests that they recognized themselves in the photo and were attempting to investigate the mark, similar to what other self-aware animals have done in the past.


The findings provide further evidence that self-awareness may be more widespread among animals than previously thought. "Fish have a more complex social behavior than we previously thought, and their cognitive toolkit is much more sophisticated than we gave them credit for," said Alex Jordan, a co-author of the study and a researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany.


The study also has implications for animal welfare and conservation. "Fish are often overlooked in discussions of animal welfare and conservation, but they are sentient beings that deserve our attention and respect," said Jordan. "If we want to better protect fish populations and their ecosystems, we need to understand their behavior and cognitive abilities."


In summary, a new study suggests that some species of fish can recognize themselves in photographs, indicating a level of self-awareness previously thought to be limited to a few select animals. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about fish cognition and have implications for animal welfare and conservation.

Koczan, P., et al. (2022). Mirror self-recognition in two fish species. PLOS Biology, 20(2), e3001578. 

Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. (2022, February 1). Fish can recognize themselves in photos: Study shows fish may be more self-aware than previously thought. ScienceDaily. 

The University of Cambridge. (2022, February 2). Fish can recognize themselves in photos, further evidence they may be self-aware. Phys.org. Retrieved February 28, 2023

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