GabyResearchers from the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior in Germany believe their discovery will change the way we view fish. The scientists assert that wild fish can follow divers who feed them. Moreover, these fish are capable of distinguishing between people based on the color of their clothing. This insight emerged during a study that, according to the researchers, could fundamentally alter public perceptions of fish.
What did the experiments reveal? Led by principal author Maelan Thomas, the team conducted a series of experiments at a research station in the Mediterranean Sea. In the first phase, diver Katinka Soller trained two species of sea bream to follow her at a depth of 8 meters over the course of 12 days. While swimming 50 meters, she offered the fish food. During this period, around 20 fish learned to swim alongside their trainer.
Then, Maelan Thomas joined her. In dozens of subsequent experiments, he wore either the same diving gear as Katinka or a different outfit with colorful patterns. In both scenarios, the two divers, carrying food for the fish, swam in different directions before returning to the starting point to repeat the process.
When the divers wore different outfits, the fish followed the trainer who was feeding them. However, when the researchers dressed identically, the bream could not tell them apart, as reported by the Independent. The team hypothesized that since the fish had no prior experience interacting with humans, they likely relied on visual cues to differentiate between the divers. Specifically, they used the color of clothing and patterns on it.
As Mr. Thomas noted, nearly all fish have color vision. He believes this research could encourage people to reconsider their views on fish, as they may be smarter than previously thought. The findings of the study were published in the journal Biology Letters.
