A test of time-place learning in fish living in a public aquarium

Abstract

This study presents the findings of a test of time-place learning in Atlantic Ocean fish in the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth (a public aquarium). All the fish, which varied in sizes and species, were observed, excluding ocean predators. Observations of the fish‟s location and behaviour five weeks prior and during the three-week intervention period were carried out. The quantitative data does show major differences in the distribution of the fish, a 100% increase in the fish being evenly distributed across the tank. Results suggest that some fish are capable of exhibiting time-place learning.