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(Left) The optic lobes are thought to be involved in visual processing. In this study, researchers found that guppies with larger optic lobes more quickly learned a visual discrimination task—identifying which color well contained food. (Right) The fish telencephalon is thought to be involved in spatial learning, memory, and inhibitory control. Here, the researchers found that a larger telencephalon might enhance the fish’s cognitive flexibility, allowing them to more quickly associate food with a new color after the researchers switched it.

Infographic: Two Guppy Brain Regions May Help Them Learn Tasks

While guppies with larger optic lobes were champions at learning visual discrimination tasks, guppies with larger telencephalons fared better when researchers switched things up.

Infographic: Two Guppy Brain Regions May Help Them Learn Tasks

Infographic: Two Guppy Brain Regions May Help Them Learn Tasks

While guppies with larger optic lobes were champions at learning visual discrimination tasks, guppies with larger telencephalons fared better when researchers switched things up.

While guppies with larger optic lobes were champions at learning visual discrimination tasks, guppies with larger telencephalons fared better when researchers switched things up.

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Fish Brain Region Size Correlates with Cognitive Flexibility

Natalia Mesa, PhD | Nov 14, 2022 | 3 min read

The relative sizes of specific parts of the guppy brain may explain why some fish are better at learning certain tasks than others.

Fish of Many Colors

Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 23, 2014 | 2 min read

Researchers seek insight into the pigmentation patterns of guppies and zebrafish.

Abby Olena, PhD | Nov 1, 2013 | 4 min read

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research

Chris Palmer | Aug 5, 2013 | 5 min read

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research

Chris Palmer | Jul 8, 2013 | 5 min read

A round-up of recent discoveries in behavior research

How Prawns Lure Prey

Sabrina Richards | May 15, 2012 | 3 min read

Orange-loving Trinidad guppies are curiously attracted to orange spots on prawn pincers, which may make it easier for the predators to snatch them up.

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