Do Fish Scream in Pain?

When we catch a fish, we sometimes hear a sound that sounds like a scream. But, is it really the sound of the fish screaming in pain? Fishes are fascinating creatures that we often don’t take enough time to appreciate. So, let’s explore whether fishes experience and express pain in the same way that we do.

Are Fishes Capable of Screaming?

Fish don’t have vocal cords, so they can’t scream like humans do. However, they do produce sounds by other means, such as grinding their teeth or rubbing their fins together. These sounds are often too low in frequency for us to hear, but they can be detected with specialized equipment. So, if we hear a high-pitched sound when we catch a fish, it’s more likely the sound of air escaping from its gills than a scream.

How Do Fish React to Pain?

Fish don’t have facial expressions like humans, so it’s hard to tell if they’re in pain just by looking at them. However, studies have shown that fish can experience pain, and they exhibit behaviors that suggest they’re in distress. For example, they may become more sluggish, hide, or rub against objects to alleviate discomfort. These behaviors are similar to what we might do if we were in pain.