Pangasius catfish, sold globally as basa or swai, is produced in vast quantities in Vietnam, often under welfare conditions that are poorly monitored.
Pangasius are catfish capable of tolerating poor water quality, making them attractive for intensive farming. However, extreme stocking densities cause chronic physiological stress, high disease pressure and aggressive interactions. Slaughter methods are largely unregulated. The low cost of pangasius in global markets creates strong downward pressure on welfare investments in the supply chain.