A spatial memory task in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

There are two types of behaviour by which an animal can use spatial memory in order to exploit food availability: win-stay (lose-shift) and win-shift (lose-stay). This study aimed to determine which strategy was used by rainbow trout fish. To test whether fish were using win-shift or win-stay, the fish were given three consecutive morning feedings or afternoon feedings only. The behaviour of fish during this trial was a win-stay strategy. The experiment suggests that rainbow trout engage in ‘win stay’ behaviour. This finding may help us to understand the spatial memory regarding win-stay in rainbow trout.