Some Common Myths Thought to be True - Myth 31
Myth 31: Memory Span of Goldfish - A Few Seconds
Goldfish have a memory-span of at least three months and can distinguish
between different shapes, colors and sounds. By using positive reinforcement,
goldfish can be trained to recognize and to react to light signals of different
colors or to perform tricks. Fish respond to certain colors most evidently in
relation to feeding. Fish learn to anticipate feedings
provided they occur at around the same time every day.
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A Goldfish | |
During the 1620s, goldfish were highly regarded in southern Europe because of
their metallic scales, and symbolized good luck and fortune. It became
tradition for married men to give their wives a goldfish on their one-year
anniversary, as a symbol for the prosperous years to come. This tradition
quickly died, as goldfish became more available, losing their status. Goldfish
were first introduced to North America around 1850 and quickly became popular
in the United States.
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