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whats the dumbest fish you can think of? i think of alot of catfishes

I have to say this is one of the more unusual questions I've tackled ...

That all depends upon how you define 'dumb'.

Remember, the catfishes you're thinking of have evolved to perform in specific environments, and within specific niches. And, they've been pretty successful at this. Check the fossil record and some of them have been around for 50 to 60 million years. Not a bad track record of survival for 'dumb' fishes.

When we humans have managed to stay alive and flourish for 50 to 60 million years, I think we'll be in a position to talk


Last edited by Calilasseia at 21-Apr-2005 19:22

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

catfish are hardly "dumb" There's got to be a reason why they are some of the largest fish.

Kind of like what Cali said, "dumb" and "least intelligent" are relative terms, even in regards to humans. If I travel to the Amazon Basin, I'll find a lot of people who aren't "smart" enough to do long division, therefore, determining that they're "dumb" in math. But those same people may be albe to throw a spear 100 yards and stick it in a tree while I'm "dumb" when it comes to how to throw a spear that far. In their environment, I can do calculus all I want but not be successful at catching so much as a single tapir, while in my environment, I can do calculus to make an A on a test while they fail the test because they were busy hunting some animal in the stairwell... (For the record, this is for example only, I don't know if anyone from such a culture would do such a thing...and stairs would probably be a crappy hunting spot)

It's all a matter of your environment. A catfish is VERY bright at dealing with its environment. As is a snakehead, a tetra, an angelfish, etc., etc., etc...They're all brilliant in their own way, it's just a matter of keeping them in their environment so that they can show off how bright they actually are...

PM/email/msg me if you have any questions/comments regarding me or my knowledge or if you want me to read a thread.

Hmm... I'd have to say most schooling fish (such as tetras) are pretty dimwitted in my opinion. The whole "run away! run away!" thing gets on my nerves.

Tetras never seem to have that personality other fish have. They have more of a "hive" mind, if you get my drift. I just want to scream "THINK FOR YOURSELF!"

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

wow most of you are REALLY over anilizing my question! ok "least intellegent!" i say catfish i mean cories cus ive seen them die of starvation despite unlimited food given to them! quit spazing of "dumb!!!"

My Pandas disgree vehemantly with you. My Pandas are a LOT smarter than you think. Go here and read about how mine learned to prevent themselves being mugged by Pencil Fish


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

well my hoplos look pretty unintelligent to me because they always sit on rocks and stare for ages

Last edited by killikat at 21-Apr-2005 20:53

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Billy was a scientist, Billy is no more. For what he thought was H20, was H2SO4

I've never seen a cory starve to death when there was food available unless something else was wrong with them. Cories are very good at finding food. Even with my betta girls being absolute PIGS, the cories always have nice tummies on them.

And to point out, I think all fish are brilliant at doing what they do best, whatever that may be. I just find the "runrunrun" tactics of tetras and the like to be stupid. Survival tactics, I guess, but still.

~Meow. Thus spoke the cat.~

There are people who die of starvation despite unlimited food being supplied every day! I do not think anyone was "spazzing," I think they were just answering your question. Generally when you ask for opinions, that is what you will get... opinions. Your opinion is catfish are the least intelligent, kitten's opinion is that tetras are the least intelligent, and hmmmm... my opinion would be that... sheesh, never really thought about it... but I guess since I can not stand the whole "sheep mentality" of if you do it, I will do it too, I think I am going to have to go with kitten on this one. No offense to any tetra lovers out there, as I have every intention of adding them to the 75 gallon when it is up and running, but when a whole school is using one brain... well, you get the point! :%)

I agree with Kitten - schooling fish aren't the brightest things on fins

Re catfish - I think they're great. :-) My corys (habrosus) are quite active and intelligent little things, not to mention voracious eaters

Starvation is usually the fault of the owner. Stressful conditions=stressful fish=a fish which refuses to eat=a dead fish. Granted, this is just one scenario, but again, the blame is usually placed on the human.


That being said: catfish are stupid. They are among the dumbest of the osteicthyids (spelling?). Intelligence and instinct are not to be confused.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 21-Apr-2005 21:57

Yes, I agree. Catfish are incredibly unintelligent.

Like I've said before, they are little more than mouths, muscle, and fins.

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

the microfish. It spends all of its life in a library and doesnt learn a thing!

Last edited by Troy_Mclure at 21-Apr-2005 22:24

in the same vein..... "selfish" because thinking of only yourself is just plain stooopid

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~