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A Spatial memory task in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

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Abstract

There are two types of behaviour by which an animal can use spatial memory in order to exploit food availability: win-stay (lose-shift) and win-shift (lose-stay). This study aimed to determine which strategy was used by rainbow trout fish. To test whether fish were using win-shift or win-stay, the fish were given three consecutive morning feedings or afternoon feedings only. The behaviour of fish during this trial was a win-stay strategy. The experiment suggests that rainbow trout engage in ‘win stay’ behaviour. This finding may help us to understand the spatial memory regarding win-stay in rainbow trout.

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Author notes

  1. M. Saeed Heydarnejad

    Present address: Biology Department, Shahrekord University, PO Box 115, Shahrekord, Iran

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability, AMC University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1370, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia

    J. Purser

Authors
  1. M. Saeed Heydarnejad
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  2. J. Purser
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Correspondence to M. Saeed Heydarnejad.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Ethical standards

The experiments performed in this study were given permission by Aquaculture dept., followed by the Tasmania University guidelines for the treatment of animals.

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Heydarnejad, M.S., Purser, J. A Spatial memory task in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). J Ethol 34, 39–44 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-015-0443-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-015-0443-7

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