Pike-perch farming is expanding across central and northern Europe, with specific welfare challenges around cannibalism, light sensitivity, and live prey feeding requirements.
Pike-perch in intensive aquaculture face welfare challenges specific to their highly predatory nature. Juveniles in densely stocked tanks experience extreme cannibalism mortality. Transition to artificial diet is stressful and may involve food deprivation. Their preference for low light means standard recirculation systems with overhead lighting cause chronic stress. Poor water quality, particularly elevated nitrite, causes acute toxicological stress in this sensitive species.