It's often said that the Arowana fish has an intelligence level comparable to a human child of about 5 years old. Unlike creatures driven solely by instinct, Arowanas demonstrate remarkable agility and self-control, placing them high on the intelligence scale within the animal kingdom.
Challenging the "7-Second Memory" Myth
For a long time, fish have been labeled as unintelligent creatures with a memory span of only seven seconds. However, this is a misconception, particularly when it comes to Arowanas. These fish exhibit a level of intelligence similar to a five-year-old child. They can interact with their owners and form bonds. When consistently fed by the same person, an Arowana will recognize their owner and react with excitement, swimming towards them and even showing signs of anticipating feeding time. This isn't just conditioned response; they can differentiate their owner from other individuals, even those wearing similar clothing. This demonstrates a capacity for facial recognition and a strong sense of attachment.
Exceptional Cognitive Abilities
The intelligence of Arowana fish surpasses common expectations. Their cognitive abilities aren't just impressive among fish; they are exceptional within the entire animal kingdom. Never underestimate an Arowana’s intellectual capacity. They possess excellent observational skills, a strong memory, the ability to recognize other fish, and a keen awareness of their surroundings and social dynamics. As an ancient species that has evolved over millions of years, they've had ample time to develop their cognitive abilities and adapt to ever-changing environments. This adaptability and flexible behavior is strong proof of their intellect. Arowanas can remember details for years and often show a better spatial awareness than humans.
Arowana as Intelligent Companions
With their majestic appearance, mysterious aura, and association with wealth and good fortune, Arowanas are highly sought-after aquarium fish. Their strong learning capabilities and remarkable memory highlight that they are far from being "lowly" creatures. Therefore, the myth about fish having a mere seven-second memory must be dispelled, especially given the high intelligence of the Arowana. It's crucial for owners to recognize that their fish, including many other species, are intelligent animals that deserve to be treated with care and respect.