Murray cod is Australia's largest freshwater fish and an important aquaculture species, with welfare needs around water temperature, oxygen, and pre-slaughter handling.
Murray cod are large, intelligent fish with welfare needs that must be considered in aquaculture systems. Their longevity and complex cognition mean welfare impacts in captive systems are significant. Crowding stress in intensive recirculating systems causes elevated cortisol and reduced feed intake. Temperature management is critical as excursions outside the thermoneutral zone cause acute welfare impacts. Pre-slaughter handling of large adult fish without effective stunning causes avoidable suffering.