Fish Cognition and Behavior

Fish have long suffered from the image of being pea-brained
automatons; Neither thinking nor feeling. Most people see fish entirely out
of context either on a plate in front of them or flapping wildly on the end
of a fishing line. But those who have had the opportunity to observe them
in their own world soon develop a new appreciation for these wonderful
creatures, these fascinating fishes. Like all animals, fish behaviour is
shaped by both nature and nurture. It is this latter part that we focus on
here, i.e. How fish change their behaviour as a result of individual
experience. This book, therefore, is primarily concerned with those aspects
of fish behaviour that have a strong learned component. We cover everything
from mate choice to predator recognition, leaving no fish unturned.

The study of animal cognition has been largely confined to birds and mammals; a historical bias which has led to the belief that learning plays little or no part in the development of behaviour in fishes and reptiles. Research in recent decades has begun to redress this misconception and it is now recognised that fishes exhibit a rich array of sophisticated behaviour with impressive learning capabilities entirely comparable with those of mammals and other terrestrial animals.

In this fascinating book an international team of experts have been brought together to explore all major areas of fish learning, including:

• foraging skills
  
• Predator recognition
  
• Social organisation and learning
  
• Welfare and pain

Fish Cognition and Behavior is an important contribution to all fish biologists and ethologists and contains much information of commercial importance for fisheries managers and aquaculture personnel. Libraries in universities and research establishments will find it an important addition to their shelves.

Culum Brown, University of Edinburgh, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Science, UK

Kevin Laland, University of St Andrew′s, Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, UK

Jens Krause, University of Leeds, School of Biology, UK