In an experiment to test for a pain response, after applying acetic acid on to one of the antennae of 144 prawns, the creatures immediately began grooming and rubbing the affected antenna, while leaving untouched antennae alone.

This is a response animal behavioral expert Prof Robert Elwood says is “consistent with an interpretation of pain experience”. The same pain sensitivity is likely to be shared by lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans, researchers believe.

If you’re not familiar with why this may be controversial, it’s been debated for many years by animal welfare advocates that boiling lobsters while they’re alive is cruel and painful. On the other hand some researchers claim crustaceans feel no pain.

Link to the New Scientist article.

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