Catfish Aquaculture Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

How channel catfish and pangasius farming practices affect fish welfare and what improvements are needed in these widely consumed species.

Key Facts

Channel catfish is the most farmed fish in the US, while pangasius (Basa) dominates Southeast Asian production
Both species are farmed in pond systems with variable welfare outcomes depending on stocking density and management
Catfish show clear avoidance responses to harmful stimuli and have neurological capacity for pain-like experiences
Skinning catfish alive — practiced in some artisanal and small-scale operations — is a significant welfare concern
Electrical stunning before slaughter is effective for catfish but not universally practiced even in commercial settings

Welfare Considerations

Catfish welfare in aquaculture receives relatively little attention compared to salmon, despite significant production volumes and comparable welfare challenges. Both channel catfish and pangasius are farmed in intensive conditions that can create welfare problems through crowding, poor water quality, and inadequate handling. The slaughter of catfish, particularly in smaller operations, sometimes occurs through live skinning or gill-cutting without prior stunning — methods that almost certainly cause significant suffering based on what is known about catfish neurobiology. Improving welfare standards for these widely consumed species is an important and achievable welfare goal.

What You Can Do

Choose catfish and pangasius products from ASC-certified sources where welfare standards are audited
Support campaigns for mandatory humane slaughter requirements for catfish in commercial aquaculture
Reduce overall farmed catfish and pangasius consumption and prioritise certified sources
Advocate for national aquaculture regulations to include catfish welfare alongside salmon and trout
Follow Fish Welfare Initiative for updates on catfish and pangasius welfare standards development