Atlantic halibut and other flatfish are farmed in increasing quantities, with specific welfare challenges from their unusual anatomy, aggressive behaviour, and slaughter practices.
Halibut welfare in aquaculture illustrates how species-specific anatomy and behaviour create distinct welfare challenges. These bottom-dwelling flatfish have evolved for substrate contact and territorial spacing -- cramped tank conditions prevent both. Eye injury from conspecific biting is a documented welfare problem at high stocking densities. Their long natural lifespan means farmed halibut are slaughtered at a fraction of their natural age, but the welfare concern is about the quality of the years they do live. Improved tank design, appropriate substrate provision, and density management that reduces aggression are the primary welfare interventions for farmed flatfish.