Water temperature is a critical determinant of shrimp welfare in aquaculture. Optimal thermal management supports immune function, growth, and behavioral expression while suboptimal temperatures cause stress and mortality.
Shrimp are increasingly recognized as sentient animals capable of experiencing thermal stress. Temperature deviations beyond optimal ranges cause physiological disruption, immune suppression, and behavioral changes consistent with suffering. Aquaculture operations that prioritize temperature stability — through appropriate stocking seasons, water depth management, shading, aeration, and technology in RAS systems — provide substantially better welfare outcomes. The economic alignment between optimal temperature and growth performance makes thermal management a relatively accessible welfare improvement.