According to scientists in the ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef studies at James Cook university it has been discovered that Rabbitfishes exhibit signs of reciprocal cooperation. While feeding one rabbitfish will 'stand guard' for the other while it eats then switch roles. Scientist originally assumed that fish were incapable of reciprocal cooperation due to the fact that it requires complex cognitive and social skills. The belief that all fish are "cold, unsocial, and unintelligent" has now been challenged by the actions of the rabbitfishes. This change in perspective of fish could cause a shift on both how people study fish and ethically treat fish.
This is important because the way fish are treated in today world could be seen a cruel especially if fish have a higher intelligence than we were to originally believe. This discovery could also impact how we see fish and how we treat them and their ecosystem.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150925085344.htm
This is important because the way fish are treated in today world could be seen a cruel especially if fish have a higher intelligence than we were to originally believe. This discovery could also impact how we see fish and how we treat them and their ecosystem.
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150925085344.htm