Freshwater giant prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are farmed extensively in South and Southeast Asia, with welfare challenges from heteromorphic male aggression, crowding, and slaughter practices.
Freshwater giant prawn welfare in aquaculture is challenged by the species aggressive social dynamics. Dominant orange-claw males cause injury to subordinate males and females, requiring careful density management. Research increasingly suggests prawns and shrimp can experience pain-like states, making boiling alive a welfare concern. Population-level injury from aggression increases disease susceptibility and reduces welfare for subordinate animals. Monoculture of specific male morphotypes can reduce intraspecific conflict. Development of humane slaughter methods for decapods is an emerging welfare priority.