#Project PARGO

[todropscience]

CAN FISH RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUAL HUMANS IN THE WILD?

The ability to recognize individual humans is often associated with mammals and birds, yet research suggests that some fish are also capable of this cognitive feat. While diving in the Mediterranean Sea, a team of scientists observed something intriguing: every field season, they were followed by groups of local fish known as pargo or dorado, stealing food intended to reward other fish in their experiments.

In controlled experiments, wild saddled sea bream (Oblada melanura) and black sea bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), were trained to follow a human diver to obtain a food reward. Remarkably, they can differentiate between dozens of individuals with high success rates, even when superficial features such as colour or brightness are altered. This suggests that their recognition is based on specific patterns rather than simple visual cues. Similar capabilities have been observed in cleaner fish (Labroides dimidiatus), which adjust their behaviour depending on whether they recognize a familiar diver, implying that this skill might have adaptive benefits in natural environments.

-Maëlan Tomasek (Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior), one of the study's authors, next to a wild fish. The researchers found that wild fish start to follow humans for food and are able to identify individual divers by their clothing.

If fish in the wild can recognize individual humans, the implications extend beyond academic curiosity. Species frequently interacting with humans—such as those in ecotourism settings or research projects—may learn to associate specific individuals with positive or negative experiences. This has been observed in sharks, where some individuals appear to recognize divers who regularly feed or tag them, approaching more readily or avoiding interactions depending on past encounters. Understanding these cognitive abilities could inform conservation strategies by highlighting the impact of repeated human interactions on fish behaviour.

Despite these insights, much remains unknown about how fish process facial recognition and whether this ability is widespread across different taxa. Future research will need to examine whether this recognition occurs naturally in the wild without training and how it influences social interactions within fish populations. As we continue to challenge outdated assumptions about fish intelligence, it becomes increasingly clear that their cognitive world is far more complex than previously thought.

GIF: Trained fishes following diver

Reference (Open Access): Maëlan et al., 2025. Fish use visual cues to recognize individual divers. Biol. Lett.

[projectpargo]

Looking for a way to keep your drinks cool and stylish at the same time? Look no further than ProjectPARGO's selection of stubby holders! These trendy and practical accessories are perfect for any occasion, whether you're headed to the beach or just relaxing at home.

[crispyperfectiondeer]

FSO hook up complete, Perenco looks to Brazil’s regulators

Perenco has hooked up its FSO offshore Brazil, in the Campos Basin, ahead of receiving the operations licence. Perenco Brazil said the hook-up was another important step in moving the $400 million Pargo project forwards. The connection “paves the way for continued production growth”, it said. Now the FSO is connected, Perenco will submit its final documents to local regulators, with the aim of…

[dingydiamond]

‘Twas A Littuation In Hollywood When Justin Combs, Eric Bellinger, & More Popped Out For Sincere Show’s EP Release

‘Twas A Littuation In Hollywood When Justin Combs, Eric Bellinger, & More Popped Out For Sincere Show’s EP Release

Justin Combs, Malaysia Pargo, & Eric Bellinger Had Hollywood LIT For Sincere Show’s EP Release

  Source: Shot By Sham / Shot By Sham

  Sincere Showholds the crown as a big Hollywood nightlife enthusiast, so when it came time for him to unleash his latest project “The Greatest Show On Earth”, things were bound to turn into a serious littuation! Joe Moses, Raven Symone, RJ, Eric Bellinger, LT…

[projectpargo]

Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone special or just an accessory for yourself? Look no further than Project PARGO’s collection of insulated stubby holders.

At Project PARGO, we are passionate about providing our customers with quality products that not only look great but also keep their beverages at the perfect temperature. Our insulated stubby holders are made with premium neoprene material that is both durable and insulated. This means that your drinks will stay cold or hot for longer, so that you can enjoy them for many occasions.

[projectpargo]

Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee Anywhere With Project PARGO's Insulated Coffee Cups

In Australia, coffee cups are often insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. This is especially important in the summer, when temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Insulated coffee cups can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, and metal. They usually have a double-walled construction, with a layer of insulation between the two walls. This helps to keep the temperature of the contents stable.

[projectpargo]

Keep your Drinks Hot or Cold for Longer with Project Pargo Insulated Water Bottle Project Pargo provide a good quality insulated water bottle. Our insulated water bottle is made with a stainless steel construction and is BPA free.

[projectpargo]

Buy Best Quality Insulated Water Bottle From Project Pargo

Keep your water at a consistent temperature with insulated water bottle Project Pargo provides the best water bottle you can find in Australia.