Fish feel pain with "striking similarity" with mammals

A new study from the University of Liverpool concluded that the myth that "fish do not feel pain" can be dispelled: fish actually feel a pain resembling that of mammals, including humans.

From hyper-ventilation and loss of appetite to long-term behavioral changes after a painful experience, Dr. Lynne Sneddon examines pain in fish and the animal kingdom and explains its common molecular underpinnings and the behaviors associated with its avoidance and mitigation. .

Lynne Sneddon, a biologist and world expert in the field of fish pain, said: "When they are exposed to a potentially painful event, the fish exhibit harmful behavioral changes, such as the suspension of the fish. diet and activity reduction, which are avoided. The relief medication is provided.

"When the lips of the fish receive a painful stimulus, they rub their mouth against the edge of the tank, as if we were rubbing our toes when we made fun of it.

"If we accept the pain felt by the fish, it will have important consequences on the way we treat them.When handling fish, care should be taken not to damage their sensitive skin and to capture and kill them. without cruelty. "

The document is published in a special issue of Pain entitled Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.