ABSTRACT
There are great differences in the behavior of ‘shes, but in general, ‘shes are complex and intelligent organisms. Humans tend to think of them as “just ‘sh” because most freshwater ‘sh (the ones we see as kids) look so similar to the untrained eye. This notion is a great mistake, because how ‘sh appear on the outside has everything to do with aquatic adaptation, but says little about behavioral capabilities. There are so many species and so much difference in their behaviors that it is truly mind-boggling, and not many biologists are expert on the behavioral adaptations of more than a few groups-mostly aquarium varieties. In my professional experience, most nonbiologists lump ‘sh together and cannot imagine why ‘sh require anything other than some food and water. Brown (2004) was compelled to ask, “So why does everyone think ‘sh are plain stupid?” In truth, ‘sh have good memories, recognize individuals, make choices, have complex relationships, and some even use tools. It is ‘sh behavior that informs us so much about their intelligence and their needs. Their behavior is a direct link to ‘tness, and any behavior that requires more than a small energetic cost is adaptive, signi‘cant, and deserving some special consideration. It is by their behavior that we know them.
