Channel catfish and African catfish are major farmed species whose fingerling rearing involves intensive conditions that affect both welfare and later production performance.
Catfish fingerling welfare is compromised by the same stressors affecting other farmed fish at this life stage — crowding, handling, poor water quality — with some catfish-specific concerns. Catfish are bottom-dwelling, tactile animals that use their barbels to explore their environment, behaviors largely prevented by high densities. Cannibalism driven by size heterogeneity causes injury and death and is a significant welfare issue requiring frequent grading. Catfish also have notably robust cortisol responses to handling stress. African catfish in intensive RAS systems face additional challenges including chronic exposure to high ammonia and reduced ability to express natural behaviors like burrowing. Welfare-conscious production prioritizes lower stocking densities and reduced handling frequency.