Smarter than some kids? Scientists shocked as this fish easily passes a test designed for children

It turns out that resisting temptation isn’t just a human – or even mammalian – skill. A new study has shown that cuttlefish, squishy sea creatures better known for shape-shifting camouflage, can pass a version of the famed ‘marshmallow test’ – a feat that has previously stumped many children, let alone most animals.

In this classic psychological test, preschoolers are offered one marshmallow immediately or two if they can wait 15 minutes. The test is a proxy for self-control, and over the years, it’s been linked to higher intelligence, better health, and more stable life outcomes in humans.

Researchers, publishing the study in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, adapted this test for a different kind of subject – Sepia officinalis, the common cuttlefish – by offering a choice between an immediate meal (a dull raw prawn) or a delayed but far tastier one (a live grass shrimp). Some cuttlefish lunged right away. Others waited, sometimes for more than two minutes. That’s on par with crows, parrots, and even chimpanzees. Which is surprising, given cuttlefish lack a backbone, let alone a cerebral cortex.

Self-control with no backbone

The set-up, led by Alexandra Schnell from the University of Cambridge and Roger Hanlon at the Marine Biological Laboratory, had transparent barriers showing the cuttlefish both food options, and only after a delay would the better food become accessible. Most waited.

Then, in a second test, the same cuttlefish proved quick to learn when the rules flipped, linking patience to learning ability for the first time in any animal without a backbone.

The question then becomes: ‘why would cuttlefish evolve patience, anyway?’ Well, because grabbing food too soon could mean getting eaten. These animals spend long hours camouflaged, venturing out briefly to hunt. Waiting for better prey while exposed might save energy and reduce risk - a smart trade-off that rewards restraint.

Cuttlefish now join crows and chimps in showing flexible, future-focused thinking. No big brain required. Just evolutionary pressure, a bit of patience... and maybe a really tasty looking shrimp.

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