I think any animal has some what intelligence. If not, then they couldn't exist. Darwinism, theory of survival of the fittest. If fish were incapable of doing a intelligent procedure then they would die off like nothing. Feelings on the other hand, its hard to say because i think its a matter of opinion. I believe they do because if not, they would sit around not doing anything. Why would a fish play tag with another fish if there was no enjoyment in it. It is not necessary to its life to play tag, the fish does it because it wants to and enjoys doing it.
Do fish have feelings?
- Thread starter lilmermaid
- Start date
I'm curious if many people stopped eating fish/fishing once they became involved in the fishkeeping hobby.
That said, my fish love to watch me read. My tank is next to the bed and they always come out of their caves and corners to chill out at the front of the tank, although not particularly the spot which I feed them from. I feel that they're very aware of their environment and surroundings and that this dictates a decent capacity of intelligence.
One must also remember that even humans are motivated and guided not by conscious thought, but by programmed instincts and reactions while we navigate and behave in our daily lives.
That said, my fish love to watch me read. My tank is next to the bed and they always come out of their caves and corners to chill out at the front of the tank, although not particularly the spot which I feed them from. I feel that they're very aware of their environment and surroundings and that this dictates a decent capacity of intelligence.
One must also remember that even humans are motivated and guided not by conscious thought, but by programmed instincts and reactions while we navigate and behave in our daily lives.
Now the important question... what are you getting your fish for valentines?
I think those little guys are smarter than we often think. I have a little cory who, watching an older cory (that died a few days ago), learned how to feed at the top of the tank. It's quite amusing, though, to go over to the tank and watch him swim up to the top and flip upside down waiting! The others haven't caught on to this, however...
I think those little guys are smarter than we often think. I have a little cory who, watching an older cory (that died a few days ago), learned how to feed at the top of the tank. It's quite amusing, though, to go over to the tank and watch him swim up to the top and flip upside down waiting! The others haven't caught on to this, however...
Que
I wish I was a fish I wish.
Intelligence... absolutely, or they wouldn't have survived as long as they have!
Emotions... why not? I don't see the difference between instinctual responses and emotions, they are the same thing. Our emotions are brought on/sustained/amplified by hormones and other internal/external effects, so how come when a breeding fish is amorous or a fish is defending territory it isn't an emotion?
We are biased because of our own views on what intelligence and emotions are. They may not feel the exact same emotions as us (and vice-versa), but that doesn't mean they don't have them. Just because organisms aren't human or mammals doesn't mean they are robots.
Emotions... why not? I don't see the difference between instinctual responses and emotions, they are the same thing. Our emotions are brought on/sustained/amplified by hormones and other internal/external effects, so how come when a breeding fish is amorous or a fish is defending territory it isn't an emotion?
We are biased because of our own views on what intelligence and emotions are. They may not feel the exact same emotions as us (and vice-versa), but that doesn't mean they don't have them. Just because organisms aren't human or mammals doesn't mean they are robots.
Based on what many have said..then the cockroach is way up on the list of intelligence...and maybe emotions? It' been around a lot longer than most species of fish
fish do show some lower forms of intelligence..but not feelings as compared to humans.
how many humans eat their offspring?
fish do show some lower forms of intelligence..but not feelings as compared to humans.
how many humans eat their offspring?
How exactly can one determine if an organism feels emotions?
Even with animals that one directly interacts with, like cats or dogs, it could be debated whether they feel emotion for their owners or simply instinct to appease and appeal to them for survival. I would say that my cat does feel affection towards me, since she seeks my contact even when not hungry, thirsty, or etc.
How can we determine what a fish feels when we often perceive emotion through freedom and physical expression? i.e- the cat returns to my house when let out, she chooses to sleep in or around my bed, and she likes to sit on my lap, she enjoys my presence in general even when physical contact is not involved. Fish are limited to tanks and are not able to express physical affection to their keepers, its difficult to show particular interest in an owner when their territory is so limited and the only contact is to feed.
Essentially, you can't prove that they do feel emotions, but its hard to disprove that they do either.
Even with animals that one directly interacts with, like cats or dogs, it could be debated whether they feel emotion for their owners or simply instinct to appease and appeal to them for survival. I would say that my cat does feel affection towards me, since she seeks my contact even when not hungry, thirsty, or etc.
How can we determine what a fish feels when we often perceive emotion through freedom and physical expression? i.e- the cat returns to my house when let out, she chooses to sleep in or around my bed, and she likes to sit on my lap, she enjoys my presence in general even when physical contact is not involved. Fish are limited to tanks and are not able to express physical affection to their keepers, its difficult to show particular interest in an owner when their territory is so limited and the only contact is to feed.
Essentially, you can't prove that they do feel emotions, but its hard to disprove that they do either.
