Giant freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) are farmed across Southeast Asia and beyond. They exhibit complex social behaviour including male dominance hierarchies that create welfare challenges in intensive systems.
Giant freshwater prawns show more complex social behaviour than marine shrimp, with measurable aggression and injury from male dominance conflicts. While prawn sentience remains scientifically uncertain, the precautionary principle supports welfare consideration. Aquaculture systems that acknowledge social behaviour through reduced stocking density and provision of refuge structures can reduce injury rates and chronic social stress.