Zebrafish are the second most used vertebrate in biomedical research; growing evidence of their capacity for pain requires updated welfare protocols.
Scientific consensus has moved towards accepting zebrafish as capable of experiencing pain, at least from three months post-fertilisation when covered by legislation. This recognition requires that procedures causing potential pain are appropriately managed with anaesthesia and analgesia. The challenge is that zebrafish pain management protocols are less developed than for mammals. Applying the precautionary principle and investing in validated anaesthesia and analgesia protocols for zebrafish represents an important welfare refinement opportunity.