Goldfish are able to drive wheeled vehicles on dry land, a team of Israeli researchers has concluded A study of the ability of species to adapt and orient themselves in a terrestrial environment,
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University located in the Negev desert created a device that allows goldfish to walk on land floating in an aquarium mounted on top of a robotic cart,
The study was published in the journal “Behavioral Brain Research.”
The researchers attached cameras that track the movement of the fish and connected them to a computer that guides the vehicle. (see picture below),
When the fish went in front of the aquarium, the vehicle moved forward; While the fish was behind, the vehicle remained motionless, say the researchers, who published a video of a “vehicle controlled by fish”.
Goldfish ‘sail’ on dry land controlling vehicle developed by researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Israel on January 6, 2022 – Photo: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Israeli scientists set a goal to complete the study. When the fish managed to guide the vehicle to the target, it received 0.002 grams of food grains in its aquarium as a reward.,
After a few days, the fish managed to reach the target without getting lost, according to the study, “regardless of their starting point” and “avoiding dead-end roads.”
research concludes that Goldfish have “the ability to transfer their spatial representation and navigation abilities to a terrestrial environment completely different from their own”.,
The study was publicly funded, and its authors say it follows the Israeli protocol of respecting animals.
Researchers adjust a ‘car’ driven by goldfish at Ben-Gurion University in Israel on January 6, 2022 – Photo: Ronen Zvulun
Muhammad Wayne is a contributor at Sproutwired.com, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and emerging developments. His work aims to present relevant stories in an accessible and engaging way, with an emphasis on accuracy, context, and issues that matter to everyday readers.
