Temperature Dependent Behavior in Goldfish: (Carassius Auratus): Some Implications for Memory Processes

Goldfish maintained in water temperatures of 18°C or 31°C received active avoidance training in a shuttlebox. Subjects housed in warm water acquired the response more quickly than those in cold water. A photophobic response in warm water may have affected acquisition rates. Subjects were tested for retention of the avoidance response after 10 minutes, 2.5 hours, 24 hours, or 72 hours. No significant evidence of the Kamin effect was found. A second study investigated shock threshold levels as a function of temperature levels. Cold water was found to lower the threshold level at which a motor reaction to electric shock was observed. The relevance of these findings for studies concerned with memory processes in goldfish is discussed.