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Cleaner fish are sensitive to what their partners can and cannot see

Biology

Cleaner fish are sensitive to what their partners can and cannot see

K. Mcauliffe, L. A. Drayton, et al.

This fascinating study explores the mind of cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) and reveals that these fish may have theory of mind capacities, adjusting their behavior based on what their partners can see. Conducted by researchers including Katherine McAuliffe and Laurie R. Santos from prestigious universities, the findings highlight the cognitive complexities that can arise from ecological pressures, suggesting strategic deception might be a driver of evolution across species.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigates whether cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) exhibit theory of mind (ToM) capacities by assessing their sensitivity to their partners' perceptual states. The results suggest that cleaner wrasse, similar to primates, demonstrate ToM-like abilities, adjusting their behavior based on whether their partners can observe their actions. This implies that ecological pressures for strategic deception can drive the evolution of complex cognitive abilities even in distantly related species.
Publisher
Communications Biology
Published On
Sep 30, 2021
Authors
Katherine McAuliffe, Lindsey A. Drayton, Amanda Royka, Mélisande Aellen, Laurie R. Santos, Redouan Bshary
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02584-2
Tags
cleaner wrasse
theory of mind
cognition
perceptual states
ecological pressures
strategic deception
evolution

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