Freshwater prawns are farmed in South and Southeast Asia for food markets, with welfare standards still underdeveloped relative to marine shrimp.
Freshwater prawn welfare in aquaculture systems is affected by the species' naturally territorial behavior that creates aggression and injury at the densities typical of commercial production. Unlike gregarious shrimp species, freshwater prawns in close confinement engage in combat that causes claw loss, injury, and mortality. Management approaches that reduce density, provide structural complexity for refuge, and manage aggressive interactions reduce welfare harm. As with marine shrimp, questions about sentience remain active but the precautionary principle suggests attention to welfare in production and slaughter practices.