Fish Nociception and pain

Abstract

This volume aims to evaluate critically the evidence from biological studies into whether fish possess the capacity for nociception, the sensing of a noxious stimulus, and for pain perception, the awareness of the noxious stimulus. Fish are often considered «primitive», reflex-driven vertebrates, with few cognitive abilities and lacking the neuronal structures and functions necessary for pain perception. Recent research has increasingly challenged this view. An important milestone was reached when the presence of functional nociceptors in fish could be demonstrated. In contrast to nociception, the question of pain perception in fish is still controversially discussed. This volume reviews neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and behavioural evidence for or against the ability of fish to feel pain.