Temperature dependence of memory in fish.
The influence of temperature on the retention period of a pattern discrimination task (cross versus triangle) was examined on Carassius carassius, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum and Phoximus phoximus. After training at optimal temperature conditions the experimental subjects were kept at a 10 degree C lowered temperature, whereas for control subjects there was no temperature change. Tests, carried out every two weeks, showed a significant increase of retention for Carassius c. and Cichlasoma n.; Phoximus p. showed a slightly more rapid forgetting. These results and investigations of oxygen-uptake indicate a direct dependence of memory processes on the metabolic level.
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D005556:Form Perception; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D013045:Species Specificity