Abstract: Artificial life enhances the reality and vitality of computer animation. To control the process of animation and instruct the action of characters in animation, artificial intelligence is introduced in computer animation. Cognitive models based on self-reproduction are presented and built to improve the cognition of artificial fish, and high-level motion controls based on animal logic are implemented. Deterministic behavior models on copulation, spawning and environmental selection of artificial fish are built. It is shown by experiments that a high-level motion controller makes artificial fish adapt the virtual environment of sea and complete the process of life such as copulation, spawning, etc.