What a Fish Knows Book Summary - What a Fish Knows Book explained in key points

What a Fish Knows summary

Brief summary

What a Fish Knows by Jonathan Balcombe is a fascinating exploration of the inner lives of fish. It challenges the traditional view of fish as simple creatures and reveals their remarkable intelligence and complex behavior.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    What a Fish Knows
    Summary of key ideas

    Understanding the World of Fish

    In What a Fish Knows, Jonathan P. Balcombe takes us on a fascinating journey into the underwater world of fish. He begins by challenging the common misconceptions about these creatures, such as their supposed lack of intelligence and emotional capacity. Balcombe argues that fish are not the unfeeling, unthinking creatures we often perceive them to be, but rather complex, sentient beings with rich inner lives.

    He delves into the sensory world of fish, explaining how they perceive their environment through senses such as sight, sound, touch, and taste. Balcombe also explores the social lives of fish, revealing that they form intricate social structures, communicate with one another, and even display forms of cooperation and altruism. He introduces us to the fascinating world of fish courtship, parenting, and territorial behavior, highlighting the complexity of their social interactions.

    The Emotional Lives of Fish

    Balcombe then delves into the emotional lives of fish, challenging the notion that they are incapable of feeling pain or experiencing emotions. He presents compelling evidence that fish possess the neurological and physiological mechanisms necessary for experiencing pain and stress, and they exhibit behaviors indicative of emotional states, such as fear, pleasure, and even grief.

    He discusses the ethical implications of these findings, arguing that our treatment of fish in the fishing and aquaculture industries, as well as in recreational fishing and aquariums, needs to be reevaluated in light of their capacity for suffering. Balcombe advocates for more humane treatment of fish and a greater consideration of their welfare in our interactions with them.

    The Intelligence of Fish

    Next, Balcombe explores the intelligence of fish, challenging the stereotype of fish as simple, instinct-driven creatures. He presents a wealth of evidence demonstrating their cognitive abilities, such as their capacity for learning, memory, problem-solving, and even tool use. He introduces us to the remarkable behaviors of various fish species, from the tool-using tuskfish to the problem-solving archerfish.

    Balcombe also discusses the concept of fish consciousness, arguing that fish possess a form of consciousness that allows them to perceive and interact with their environment in sophisticated ways. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the cognitive abilities of fish in our treatment of them.

    Conservation and the Future

    In the final part of What a Fish Knows, Balcombe addresses the conservation challenges facing fish populations worldwide. He highlights the significant threats fish face, including overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Balcombe emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable and ethical approaches to fish conservation and management.

    He also discusses the potential for positive change, highlighting successful conservation initiatives and advocating for greater public awareness and engagement in fish conservation efforts. Balcombe concludes by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the importance of recognizing and respecting the intrinsic value of fish and their role in aquatic ecosystems.

    Conclusion

    In What a Fish Knows, Jonathan P. Balcombe provides a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the fascinating world of fish. He challenges our preconceived notions about these creatures, presenting them as intelligent, emotional beings deserving of our respect and consideration. Balcombe's book serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to reevaluate our relationship with fish and work towards a more compassionate and sustainable future for these remarkable creatures.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is What a Fish Knows about?

    What a Fish Knows by Jonathan P. Balcombe explores the fascinating world of fish intelligence and behavior. Through scientific research and captivating stories, the book challenges our preconceived notions about these underwater creatures and reveals the complex and rich lives they lead. It offers a new perspective on the importance of fish and the ethical considerations surrounding their treatment.

    What a Fish Knows Review

    What a Fish Knows (2016) takes readers on an eye-opening journey into the fascinating world of fish and their incredible capabilities. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • With meticulous research and intriguing anecdotes, it unveils the surprising intelligence and complexity of fish, shattering common misconceptions.
    • The book explores fish behavior, emotions, and social structures, highlighting their uncanny abilities to problem-solve and navigate their underwater world with .
    • Through the author's passion for the subject and accessible storytelling, readers are captivated by the wonders of fish and gain a deeper appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures.

    Who should read What a Fish Knows?

    • People who are curious about the intelligence and social lives of fish
    • Marine enthusiasts, scuba divers, and aquarium hobbyists
    • Animal lovers who want to broaden their understanding of non-human consciousness

    About the Author

    Jonathan P. Balcombe is a renowned ethologist and author who has dedicated his career to studying animal behavior. With a Ph.D. in ethology, Balcombe has conducted extensive research on the intelligence and emotions of animals, particularly fish. He has written several books on the subject, including Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals and Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good. Balcombe's work challenges traditional views of animals and has contributed significantly to our understanding of their complex lives.

    Categories with What a Fish Knows

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    What a Fish Knows FAQs 

    What is the main message of What a Fish Knows?

    Unlock the fascinating world of fish and their surprisingly complex lives.

    How long does it take to read What a Fish Knows?

    The reading time for What a Fish Knows varies, but you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.

    Is What a Fish Knows a good book? Is it worth reading?

    What a Fish Knows is a captivating read that reveals the incredible intelligence and emotions of fish.

    Who is the author of What a Fish Knows?

    The author of What a Fish Knows is Jonathan Balcombe.

    What to read after What a Fish Knows?

    If you're wondering what to read next after What a Fish Knows, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • Incognito by David Eagleman
    • God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
    • A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
    • The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
    • Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
    • Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
    • The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
    • Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks