Catfish are the most farmed fish in the United States, yet their welfare receives minimal attention despite growing evidence of their sentience.
Catfish receive almost no welfare consideration despite being one of the most farmed fish in the United States. Research has documented their nociceptive capacity, behavioral responses to pain, and social preferences, suggesting they are sentient animals capable of suffering. Intensive pond culture at high stocking densities causes chronic stress evidenced by elevated cortisol and increased disease susceptibility. Ice-water slaughter is a prolonged process that may cause significant suffering before insensibility. Improved welfare standards for catfish would benefit billions of animals with minimal cost impact on final products.