Catfish are one of the most widely farmed fish species globally. Their sentience and capacity for suffering deserve attention in aquaculture welfare discussions.
Farmed catfish are intelligent, sensory-rich animals kept in conditions that frequently cause chronic stress and physical injury. High stocking densities impair their ability to perform natural behaviors and increase disease transmission. Like other fish, catfish have nociceptors and neural architecture supporting pain experience. Pre-slaughter stunning using electrical or gas methods is technically feasible and increasingly adopted by welfare-progressive producers. Consumer awareness of fish sentience is growing, creating market pressure for improved standards.