Rhamdia quelen silver catfish is an important species in southern Brazilian aquaculture. Welfare improvements in intensive production systems are needed as the industry expands.
Silver catfish welfare challenges in intensive culture include chronic crowding stress and non-stun slaughter. Their sensitivity to water vibration through the lateral line makes handling procedures and pump noise additional stressors. Harvest by pond draining concentrates fish in deteriorating water conditions before processing. Percussive stunning before slaughter would substantially improve welfare at the point of death. Education of producers about low-cost welfare improvements, including water quality management and basic slaughter improvements, is needed.