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Crabs' reaction to shocks seems to suggest that they also remember pain

Queen's University says new research it conducted shows crabs not only suffer pain but retain a memory of it. The study, which looked at the reactions of hermit crabs to small electric shocks, was carried out by Professor Bob Elwood and Mirjam Appel.

The crabs reacted adversely to the shocks but also seemed to try to avoid future shocks, suggesting that they recalled the past ones.

The research is published in the journal Animal Behaviour. Professor Elwood said the research highlighted the need to investigate how crustaceans used in food industries are treated, saying that a"potentially very large problem" was being ignored.

Shell shocked - Hermit crabs have no shell of their own so inhabit other structures. As part of the research, wires were attached to shells to deliver small shocks to the abdomen of some of the crabs.

The study revealed the only crabs to get out of their shells were those which had received shocks, indicating that the experience was unpleasant for them. (pretty obvious!)

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7966807.stm

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