Fish. Nociception and pain – A biological perspective
Contributions to Ethics and Biotechnology, volume 9 (2012)
This volume aims to critically evaluate the available evidence from biological studies if fish possess the capability for nociception, that is the sensing of a noxious stimulus, and for pain perception, that is the awareness of the noxious stimulus. Fish are often considered as “primitive”, reflex-driven vertebrates, with little cognitive capabilities and which lack the neuronal structures and functions being necessary for pain perception. Recent research is increasingly challenging this view. 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.
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