Sentience in decapod crustaceans: A general framework and review of the evidence

We outline a framework for evaluating scientific evidence of sentience, focusing on pain experience. It includes eight neural and cognitive-behavioural criteria, with confidence levels each criterion reflecting the reliability quality evidence. rationale apply our to controversial sentience candidate: decapod crustaceans. have either high or very that true crabs (infraorder Brachyura) satisfy five amounting strong sentience. Moreover, we both anomuran Anomura) astacid lobsters/crayfish Astacidea) meet three criteria—substantial The case is, as yet, weaker other infraorders, such penaeid shrimps, highlighting important research gaps. Having demonstrated framework’s application crustaceans, hope future will it taxa.