Encore: Inside the minds of the fish who sleep, have friends, and know it's the weekend

Dr Culum Brown's work on fish cognition has proven fish have long memories, sharks have friends, and sting rays know it's the weekend.

Dr Culum Brown is a leading researcher in the field of fish cognition. He's based at Macquarie University where he runs the Fish Lab — the Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution of Fishes Laboratory.

His fascination for fish stems from growing up in parts of south-east Asia, where he would spend every possible hour in the ocean with a snorkel.

As an adult, Culum's marine biology studies around the world (including the UK and Finland) have revealed many facts which up-end the basis of our common understanding of fish.

His research has shown that even the smallest fish are capable of learning and can retain memories for months.

Within schools of fish, there is often a strict social hierarchy which can include forms of bullying.

His research into Port Jackson sharks has revealed a lot about their social lives as 'puppies of the sea'.

He work has also revealed that sting rays have especially good memories and can distinguish days of the week.

Learn more about Culum's work at The Fish Lab.

First broadcast in 2020.

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