Can fish learn simple math? They can when a treat is involved

Can fish learn simple math? They can when a treat is involved

By Galadriel Watson

Source: washington post

9/21/2022

Credit: iStock

It’s no shocker that Harry and Hermione would know that 4 – 1 = 3. But what if I told you that this Harry and Hermione aren’t characters in Harry Potter stories — they’re stingrays. And they can still do this type of math.

A study from Germany’s University of Bonn tested the mathematical abilities of several freshwater stingrays named after Harry Potter characters. They also tested a type of African fish called a cichlid (pronounced SICK-lid), and they were given names such as Jennifer and Tiffany.