African catfish are among the most farmed freshwater fish globally, but intensive production systems raise significant welfare concerns around stocking density and handling.
African catfish are highly adaptable but not insensible to suffering. High stocking densities cause chronic stress, suppress immune function, and increase injury rates through fin-nipping and cannibalism. Poor water quality compounds welfare problems. Effective slaughter methods, including electrical or percussive stunning, are available but inconsistently applied, particularly in African and Asian production systems.