Pangasius catfish from Vietnam is one of the world's most traded fish, with welfare questions arising from intensive pond culture and long-distance live trade.
Pangasius welfare concerns are significant given the scale of production and intensity of farming. Even though pangasius can tolerate low oxygen through their accessory breathing organ, chronic hypoxic conditions still cause physiological stress and immune compromise. Ultra-high stocking densities prevent normal behavior expression and drive aggression and fin-biting. Disease outbreaks — particularly Edwardsiellosis and parasitic infections — cause significant mortality and suffering. The live trade for premium restaurant markets involves extended transport without food in crowded tanks, causing prolonged stress. Rapid temperature and salinity changes during loading and unloading cause osmotic shock. Slaughter practices vary — many pangasius are killed without stunning by applying pressure to the skull or simply suffocating in air. Improving pangasius welfare requires density limits, disease prevention programs, and humane slaughter mandates.