Catfish are among the most widely farmed fish species globally, particularly in Asia and the United States. Their welfare needs in intensive systems deserve consideration.
Farmed catfish present interesting welfare questions partly because their physiological adaptations — including air breathing and hypoxia tolerance — create a false impression that they are indifferent to poor conditions. Research indicates that catfish are sentient animals capable of nociception and physiological stress responses. Crowding, poor water quality, and disease cause measurable welfare impacts even if catfish show them differently to salmonids. The global scale of pangasius production — millions of tonnes annually — means that even small improvements in stocking density or slaughter methods could benefit enormous numbers of animals. Welfare certification for catfish is emerging but remains less developed than for other farmed fish.