Turbot is a premium flatfish farmed primarily in Spain, China, and Norway. Their benthic biology creates distinct welfare requirements that differ markedly from round-bodied farmed fish.
Turbot welfare in aquaculture presents challenges specific to their flatfish biology. As benthic animals that rest on substrate rather than swimming through the water column, their space requirements are measured in bottom area rather than volume — conventional tank metrics may underestimate crowding impacts. Despite higher crowding tolerance than pelagic species, turbot still show elevated stress responses at extreme densities. Hatchery malformations — including asymmetrical pigmentation and incomplete eye migration — are common in intensive production and may affect individual welfare through sensory impairment or structural abnormalities. Handling stress from grading and harvesting, particularly air exposure during out-of-water procedures, causes acute physiological stress. Slaughter welfare follows similar principles to other flatfish — stunning before killing is feasible and recommended. The premium market positioning of turbot creates economic space for welfare improvement investments that lower-value species markets may not support.