Tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) are among the most valuable farmed shrimp species. Intensive farming practices raise welfare concerns about density, disease, and harvesting methods for these large decapods.
Tiger prawn welfare combines the general decapod crustacean welfare questions with the specific challenges of intensive aquaculture at high densities. Large tiger prawns subjected to high crowding stress, disease outbreaks, and boiling slaughter represent potential welfare harm at significant scale if these animals have meaningful sentience. The UK's legal recognition of decapod crustacean sentience provides a reference point for welfare consideration. Electrical stunning before slaughter is feasible for tiger prawns and significantly reduces the duration of any potential suffering at harvest. Certification schemes including decapod welfare provisions would create market incentives for adoption.