White grouper is a growing aquaculture species in Mediterranean countries with welfare challenges related to its solitary nature, territorial behaviour, and cannibalism in intensive systems.
White grouper are naturally solitary predators and their social biology makes group culture inherently welfare-challenging. Cannibalism among juveniles causes injury, pain, and mortality. Territorial aggression leads to fin damage and stress. The species natural solitary lifestyle is fundamentally incompatible with dense aquaculture conditions without careful management. Welfare standards specific to grouper species are urgently needed.