Culum Brown
Leader of the Fish Lab at Macquarie University in Sydney who studies fish cognition, olfaction, and social recognition mechanisms.
Best podcasts with Culum Brown
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Jan 23, 2026 • 26min
Do fish know what they look like?
Professor Alex Jordan, an evolutionary biologist who studies animal cognition, explains the mirror‑test methods. Professor Culum Brown, leader of Macquarie’s Fish Lab, explores smell and recognition. Dr Lauren Nadler, a reef fish social behavior researcher, examines shoaling and stress. They discuss visual and olfactory cues, individual odour signatures, imprinting, and whether mirror-test results mean fish recognize themselves.
Dec 30, 2025 • 50min
Holiday Listening: Fishing for feelings -- the many ways fish are smarter than you think
Dr. Culum Brown, a marine biologist from Macquarie University, dives into the surprising intelligence of fish. He discusses how fish communicate using sounds and their superior vision capabilities, including UV detection. Culum highlights fish social structures, revealing bullying among species and intricate kin recognition. Notably, he shares how Port Jackson sharks develop friendships, while rays exhibit long-term memories linked to feeding spots. His insights challenge traditional views on fish cognition, advocating for better ethical treatment in light of their complex behaviors.
