Live prawns held in tanks at markets and restaurants face welfare challenges from water quality, density, and starvation during the pre-sale period.
Live prawns in retail holding tanks often experience deteriorating water quality, inappropriate temperature, and high density stress throughout the pre-sale period. Ammonia accumulation from waste causes gill irritation and physiological stress. High density prevents normal behaviour and increases aggression. Prolonged holding without food causes body condition deterioration. As evidence for prawn sentience grows, the welfare of live market animals becomes more morally significant. Welfare-conscious retailers minimise holding duration, maintain water quality through adequate filtration, and provide appropriate temperature and density conditions.