A Classically Conditioned Goldfish

Pavlov had a theory about how to train dogs. He would present them would food, which would cause them to salivate; whenever he did this, he would also ring a bell. Eventually, the dogs would start to drool whenever they heard the bell. This was called Classical Conditioning. Well, I didn't think it was possible, but I think I have managed to train my goldfish.

To preface this, my goldfish Spaz has been with me ever since Valentine's Day 2013 when I gave him to my boyfriend. For a goldfish, he's doing surprisingly well!

I noticed lately that whenever I walk near the bowl, Spaz will come towards me, swimming and moving his little body as fast as his fins will take him. Every now and then he will even jump (for what I assume is joy). Spaz has associated me coming to the bowl with getting fed. I always get a good little laugh at seeing a fish's reaction to the prospect of getting food.

It's just fun to notice some of the little things, even a classically conditioned goldfish.

(Little does Spaz know that my boyfriend wants desperately to taken Spaz on a walk one of these days...that will be fun)