When we think of smart animals, we generally don’t think of fish. Recently however we humans are learning that fish have a lot more brain power than we once thought. One fish in particular is swimming out above the rest. Oh, and they’re also mythical looking creatures that fly through the water on 25 foot long wings. Find out how their brains are surprising us, how we think they got so smart, and why they need our help.

You can support Mantas at Manta Trust

For updates and photos you can follow me at instagram.com/ianinthewild/

For more information and an easy to access list of the sources below, go here: www.ianrockcreative.com/wildlifepodcast/smartestfish

Sources:

Mantas:

Manta Ray Description

Manta Ray Mirror Test Study

Manta Ray Mirror Test Article 

Mobulid Rays Brain Structure Study

Mobulid Ray Brain Warming

Evolution of Cephalic Lobes 

Economy of Manta Ray Tourism

Social Manta Ray Cleaning Parties

Mantas Deep Diving Predators 

Manta Ray Life Birth Study

WildAid Manta Ray Report on Gill Raker Trade

Manta Rays and Chinese Traditional Medicine

Indonesia Creates Manta Sanctuary

WildAid Report on Global Manta Threats 

Ebert, D. A. (2003). Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras of California. University of California Press. pp. 230–233. ISBN 0-520-22265-2.

 Other Animals:

Orangutans and Animal Intelligence 

Social Animal Intelligence

Elephant Sleep

Other:

Why We Anthropomorphize