Behavioral strategies and neural mechanisms underlying short-range navigation in teleost fish

Studies of spatial cognition in teleosts have uncovered a remarkable array of behavioral strategies and neural mechanisms. While there is compelling evidence that short-range navigation in teleost fish is connected to the telencephalon, the rostral part of the forebrain, little is known about the telencephalic regions mediating this behavior. On the cellular level, several neuron types have been identified in specific regions of the telencephalon that respond to different aspects of the fish’s individual position within a given space. To comprehensively understand spatial representation in fish, we must bridge behavioral and neurophysiological studies. Here, we review the behavioral strategies used by teleost fish to navigate in the short range, and we discuss the current evidence for how the brain encodes short-range navigational strategies. • Knowledge about fish short-range navigation has recently shown major advances. • To comprehend fish spatial cognition, we must bridge behavior and neurophysiology. • We reviewed behavioural strategies used by fish in short-range navigation. • We discuss current evidence for how the fish brain encodes these strategies.