Crustaceans are an economically important group in global aquaculture and fisheries. Whether these animals possess the capacity for pain perception has long been a subject of controversy and a focal issue in neuroscience and animal welfare research. The traditional view holds that crustaceans exhibit only nociceptive reflexes and cannot perceive pain. However, accumulating evidence indicates that their responses to harmful stimuli are far more complex than previously assumed. This review summarizes recent advances in crustacean pain perception research, beginning with the conceptual distinction between nociception and pain, and systematically analyzes evidence from behavioral, physiological, and neurobiological perspectives. Current research has shown that crustaceans display complex behavioral patterns, including protective motor responses, motivational trade-offs, and rapid avoidance learning. Harmful stimuli can trigger sustained stress responses and local anesthetics and sedatives have the potential to suppress pain-related behaviors. Neurobiological studies have confirmed the existence of various nociceptors and their capacity to integrate information into the central nervous system. However, existing studies still show limitations in the integration of evidence chains, consistency of experimental design, and methodological rigor. This review provides a theoretical reference for a deeper understanding of crustacean pain perception and offers a basis for improving animal welfare assessment and the sustainable development of fisheries.