podcast

Holiday Listening: Fishing for feelings -- the many ways fish are smarter than you think

30.12.2025
Listen to the episode on your favorite platforms:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Youtube
  • Spotify
  • Castbox
  • Pocket Casts
  • Stitcher
  • iHeart
  • PlayerFM
  • Overcast
  • Castro
  • RadioPublic

Dr Culum Brown is a leading researcher in the field of fish cognition, his research has shown that even that smallest fish are capable of learning and can retain memories for months.

His fascination for fish stems from growing up in parts of south-east Asia, where he would spend every possible hour in the ocean with a snorkel.

As an adult, Culum's marine biology studies around the world have revealed many facts which challenge our common understanding of fish.

Within schools of fish, there is often a strict social hierarchy which can include forms of bullying.

His research into Port Jackson sharks has revealed a lot about their social lives as 'puppies of the sea'.

He work has also revealed that sting rays have especially good memories and can distinguish days of the week.

Further information

Find out more about Culum's work