The present study examined species differences in spatial and non-spatial memory in the Morris water maze. Male Wistar rats and C57BL/6 mice were tested in a one-day water maze task in which spatial learning, retention, and non-spatial learning were assessed within 3 h. Rats and mice appeared to use different strategies for locating the hidden escape platform. Whereas rats evinced a clear spatial strategy, mice appeared to rely less on spatial cues and more on alternative non-spatial strategies. The sensitivity of this behavioral protocol to subtle species differences highlights the potential use of this one-day water maze task as a tool for evaluating rapidly learning and memory in rodents.