Yellowfin bream is an emerging species in Australian sea cage aquaculture with specific welfare needs around water temperature, stocking density, and handling.
Yellowfin bream at high stocking densities show increased aggression and fin damage indicating welfare costs from crowding. Their intertidal origin means they are particularly sensitive to dissolved oxygen fluctuations common in summer pond culture. As a sentient fish species, they experience stress responses to handling, crowding, and poor water quality that are welfare-relevant. Developing species-specific welfare indicators and stocking density guidelines would improve management outcomes.