Cichlids on NPR...

Today NPR ran a segment on how fish are smarter than we think. As an
example they noted the "tool use" of an un-named South American cichlid
in that the fish pair in question laid their eggs on a mobile spawning
platform. Predator comes in the middle of night and eats half our
potential kids--we move the eggs to a new, safer spot tomorrow night. Most
cichlids just lay their eggs on/in whatever and can't really move eggs if
they become another fishes dinner. Once eggs hatch, most cichlid parents
will shuttle their wrigglers/fry aroung from night-to-night to avoid
predators. Mobile platforms are slick.

Loiselle noted in a 1994 book that many South American Acaras
(C. paranense, et al.) make use of a "mobile spawning platform".
This is often a leaf and oak leaves are recommended in aquaria.

Other observations of the interviewed researcher were that some fish could
recognize each other and remember the social status of a particular
companion. Some species have very well-defined heirarchies reminiscent of
the "pecking order" seen in many of our African tanks.

Interesting stuff. I observe a different reaction from my fish when I go
up to the tank and stare at them vs. when others approach the tank. They
usually look at me as if I am about to give them a treat instead of
hiding...

Cheers all--JLD