Tilapia is one of the most widely farmed fish globally, and welfare standards in tilapia production vary enormously between high-standard operations and intensive systems.
Tilapia at high stocking densities show stress responses including elevated cortisol and impaired immune function, making them more susceptible to disease. Monosex culture involves hormonal treatments of larval fish whose welfare implications are not fully understood. The rapid growth in tilapia production in developing countries has often outpaced welfare standard development, creating systems with minimal welfare oversight.