Cuttlefish are known for their unique intelligence, and a recent study conducted in 2021 has shed even more light on just how clever these cephalopods really are. The study presented cuttlefish with a modified version of the ‘marshmallow test’, a classic experiment used to measure self-control and delayed gratification in animals and humans.
The results of the study revealed that cuttlefish possess a remarkable ability to learn, anticipate future rewards, and adapt their behavior based on these expectations. This cognitive flexibility may have evolved as a survival strategy in the cutthroat marine environment in which cuttlefish reside.
The ‘marshmallow test’ involves offering a subject a reward (usually a marshmallow) and telling them that if they can resist eating it for a certain amount of time, they will receive a better reward. This test is used to assess the subject’s ability to delay gratification and demonstrate cognitive skills such as future planning.
While the original test was designed for humans, it has been adapted for various animal species, including primates, dogs, and corvids. In 2020, cuttlefish were also put to the test and showed an impressive ability to wait for a better reward.
To further investigate cuttlefish’s self-control abilities, researchers designed a new experiment involving six common cuttlefish. The cuttlefish were presented with two chambers containing different snacks – a less preferred raw king prawn and a more enticing live grass shrimp. The doors to the chambers had symbols that the cuttlefish had been trained to recognize, indicating whether the door would open immediately or after a delay.
The results of the experiment showed that all cuttlefish in the test condition chose to wait for the live shrimp, demonstrating their ability to delay gratification for a more desirable reward. Additionally, the cuttlefish that were quickest to adapt to changes in reward cues were also the ones that exhibited greater self-control.
The researchers speculate that cuttlefish’s ability to delay gratification may have evolved as a byproduct of their foraging behavior. Cuttlefish spend most of their time camouflaging and waiting for prey, only breaking camouflage briefly to forage. This exposes them to predators, leading to the hypothesis that delayed gratification helps cuttlefish optimize their foraging by choosing higher quality food.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the cognitive abilities of cuttlefish and highlights the fascinating similarities in behavior and intelligence across different species. Further research is needed to explore the extent of cuttlefish’s planning abilities and to uncover more about their complex cognitive processes.
This research was originally published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B and serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of not underestimating the intelligence of animals.
