Why do goldfish have a 3 second memory span and is that why they swim in a circle in a fish bowl.

Question: Why do goldfish have a 3 second memory span and is that why they swim in a circle in a fish bowl.

Asked by oli97 to Antonia, Douglas, Hugh, Matt, Tom on 15 Jun 2010 in Categories: General. This question was also asked by 08wmallinder.
- Antonia Hamilton answered on 14 Jun 2010:
  
  Goldfish don’t have 3 second memory span, sorry, that is a myth. They can learn just as well as other fish! They swim in circles because there isn’t much else to do when you are a goldfish bowl.
- Douglas Blane answered on 14 Jun 2010:
  
  Short answer is they don’t. Animals are always surprising us, because we think we’re masters of the universe and everything else is dumb.
  
  The latest research shows that goldfish can remember things for months. Which means they’ve better memories than me.
- Tom Hardy answered on 14 Jun 2010:
  
  It was actually proved that goldfish do not have a 3 second memory, it is much longer depending on the species. As for swimming in a circle, I suppose that is because the fish bowl is a sphere so they have no choice?!
- Matthew Hurley answered on 14 Jun 2010:
  
  I think this one is a myth. Goldfish have to have longer memory spans or they would forget how to get food.
- Hugh Roderick answered on 15 Jun 2010:
  
  I don’t know

Question: Why do goldfish have a 3 second memory span and is that why they swim in a circle in a fish bowl.