VIVO_1-2013-en

Behavior research 13 VIVO Tolerance for suffering? Do animals and, in particular, fish have feelings and can they suffer in a human sense? Recent studies allow the conclusion that fish – as well as decapod crus- taceans (e.g. shrimps and crayfish) and cephalopods (squids) – have the ability to feel pain stimuli. If they experience such a pain stimulus, they try to avoid it. The corresponding reactions can be very complex and exceed mere reflex by far. Fish are able to perform the pain avoiding reaction they once learned even a long time after the corresponding experience. (Unlike the often quoted alleged seconds-only memory of gold- fish, they and many other species have proven their well functioning long term memory in laboratory ex- periments.) This leads to the conclusion that injuries or harmful conditions affect the welfare of each single fish. Based on our ethic responsibility, our acting must aim at avoiding such lacking welfare conditions for fish we keep as far as possible – in compliance with the core statements of German animal protection laws (§1 s. 2). Reconsidering: Species protection and protection of single ones Luckily, increasing aware- ness for the welfare of fish in all relevant areas (research, aquar- ium care, aquaculture, fishery and angling) among both peo- ple and legislative and counsel- ing authorities can be generally recognized. While fish used to be worth protecting only in their entirety (prohibition of overfishing, environmental pro- tection measures, etc.), if at all, today also their rights as indi- vidual living beings are increas- ingly acknowledged. Fish are highly devel- oped, sensitive creatures which, however, are different to us warm blooded vertebrates in many important aspects. We must honor both similarities and differences as to effectively support fish welfare. Easily applicable indicators for evaluating fish welfare: Color changes Changes of breathing frequency Changes of swimming and other behavior Loss of appetite Reduction of growth rate Loss of condition Physical anomalies Injuries (with recovery delay) Increased disease occurrence Reduced reproduction rate (if applicable) Some aspects that should particularly interesting for you as an ethically acting fishkeeper: Be sure to purchase healthy, well kept animals. Ask whether they were bred, or caught and transported, responsibly and according to sustainability measures. Do not purchase so-called cruel breeds. Make sure no foreign (“invasive”) species get into the domestic environment. Provide the best possible living conditions for your fish – they cannot go somewhere else! (The main problems in fishkeeping still are poor water quality, unsuitable company and overstocking. Also, ensure a varied diet according to natural requirements, act quickly and appropriately if your animals ever become ill, and create a suitable environment with a sufficient amount of stimuli and space for natural behavior.)

VIVO_1-2013-en

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