Fish memories underestimated

HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Israeli scientists say the idea that a fish has a memory span of only 3 seconds is a myth.

Researchers at Israeli Technion Institute of Technology in Haifa said fish trained to remember a certain sound at feeding time reacted to the same sound after five months in the wild, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.

The researchers said the findings could help promote more natural fish farming techniques, allowing fish farmers to release trained fish into the wild to mature and then bring them back when they are ready to be harvested.

"The fish grow in their natural environment, without the use of cages and without environmental pollution," the report said. "Feeding is more economical and is based mainly on food found naturally."

make us feel less guilty about keeping fish in small tanks,"