Freshwater prawns and shrimp are farmed in large numbers globally, with welfare considerations similar to marine shrimp but in distinct production contexts.
Freshwater prawns have complex behaviour, including territoriality and dominance hierarchies, that makes high-density farming inherently stressful. Evidence suggests they have nociceptive responses to harmful stimuli. Welfare during slaughter is particularly concerning — live processing with no stunning is standard. As the scientific consensus on crustacean sentience grows, welfare standards for freshwater prawns need to keep pace.