A team of researchers have trained stingrays to memorise targets and work for their food . The test , which was conducted by a team of researchers at Reef HQ in Townsville , northern Queensland , is intended to enhance the lives of stingrays living in captivity . The test , which is the first enrichment program to ever be tested on stingrays , works by improving the memory of the cartilaginous fish , reports ABC . Researchers in Townsville conduct tests on stingrays to make them work for their food . One of the aquarists involved in the study Laura Coulton said it has been an overwhelming success . 'We created individual targets for each of the three stingrays we have here , ' she said . 'At first we used some food to bait them towards the target so they became familiar with it . But very quickly , within a week , when we put the targets in they were coming straight to it . ' Another researcher from the project , James Cook University researcher Sara-Louise McCracken , said the test is intended to break up the monotony of caged animal 's lifestyle . 'We 're wanting to change the monotony and the routines of the daily regimes that can be associated with captive species , ' she said . 'So instead of just being presented with their food at the same time every day , with no interaction or thought behind it , we 're really making them earn their living , which is a really innate and natural behaviour . James Cook University researcher Sara-Louise McCracken , said the test is intended to break up the monotony of caged animal 's lifestyle . The researchers also hope the tests could allow them to capture the animals with more ease in the future . 'We have to keep them thinking , keep them moving , and give them something different in their day-to-day routine . ' The researchers also hope the tests could allow them to capture the animals with more ease in the future . If the stingray 's can memorise the targets , they will be easier to move between exhibits .
The test was conducted by a team of researchers in northern Queensland . The scientists trained them to memorise targets and work for their food . Score: 7