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Dusky damselfish Stegastes fuscus relational learning: evidences from associative and spatial tasks
Author(s) -
Silveira M. M.,
Oliveira J. J.,
Luchiari A. C.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.12618
Subject(s) - damselfish , biology , stimulus (psychology) , associative learning , statistical relational learning , spatial learning , ecology , coral reef fish , fish <actinopterygii> , cognitive psychology , cognition , fishery , psychology , neuroscience , database , relational database , computer science
This study investigated the ability of the dusky damselfish Stegastes fuscus to associate conditioned and unconditioned stimuli (single CS–US ) and to find a specific place in a clueless ambiece (spatial learning). After tested for colour preference and showing no specific colour attractively, the fish were trained to associate a colour cue with a stimulus fish (conspecific). Fish were then challenged to locate the exact place where the stimulus fish was presented. Stegastes fuscus spent most time close to the zone where stimulus was presented, even without obvious marks for orientation. The results confirm that S. fuscus show single CS–US learning and suggest the fish ability for spatial orientation. Stegastes fuscus appears to use multiple senses (sight and lateral line) for cues association and recall, and appear to perform relational learning similar to mammals. These data suggest the importance of cognitive skill for reef fishes that may have contributed to their establishment and evolutionary success in such complex environment.