Odd
Woman 'trains fish to play glockenspiel'
Published Thursday, May 27 2010, 13:16 BST | By Mayer Nissim
A woman has claimed to have taught her goldfish how to play the glockenspiel and handbells.
Dianne Rains, 54, of Hudson, Wisconsin, has trained 2-year-old Jor Jor to play single notes, chords and four-part harmonies using her mouth, according to The Sun.
The fish has been taught to pull on strings attached to bells to accompany music and can supposedly play in time to Barbara Streisand's version of 'Moon River' and other songs.
Raines said: "Jor Jor certainly is a unique musician. She likes to listen closely until a particular moment inspires her to contribute.
"At precisely the right time, she will play her bells or chimes for a few seconds only, then swim off satisfied. I haven't figured out how she decides when her help is needed. She does particularly like the notes F and D, so perhaps she listens for those."
She explained the positive reinforcement technique used to train Jor Jor by saying: "When the fish does a correct behaviour, I mark it with a visual click of a penlight.
"The click is immediately followed by a treat delivered with a special feeding wand. No punishment or coercion is ever used."
Copyright: Rex Features
Dianne Rains, 54, of Hudson, Wisconsin, has trained 2-year-old Jor Jor to play single notes, chords and four-part harmonies using her mouth, according to The Sun.
The fish has been taught to pull on strings attached to bells to accompany music and can supposedly play in time to Barbara Streisand's version of 'Moon River' and other songs.
Raines said: "Jor Jor certainly is a unique musician. She likes to listen closely until a particular moment inspires her to contribute.
"At precisely the right time, she will play her bells or chimes for a few seconds only, then swim off satisfied. I haven't figured out how she decides when her help is needed. She does particularly like the notes F and D, so perhaps she listens for those."
She explained the positive reinforcement technique used to train Jor Jor by saying: "When the fish does a correct behaviour, I mark it with a visual click of a penlight.
"The click is immediately followed by a treat delivered with a special feeding wand. No punishment or coercion is ever used."
© Rex Features
Copyright: Rex Features
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