Tilapia is the world's second most farmed fish species, produced primarily in developing countries. Welfare standards remain poorly developed despite its global importance.
Tilapia welfare has received less attention than salmon or trout due to its association with lower-income markets and less demanding consumers. However, tilapia experience crowding stress, aggressive interactions, and disease challenges in intensive systems. Hormonal sex reversal during larval stages is widespread and raises welfare questions, though its impact on fish welfare is not fully understood. Post-harvest welfare is particularly poor in many producing countries, with prolonged live holding in cramped conditions before sale. Improving tilapia welfare requires international collaboration, capacity building in producing countries, and market incentives for better practices.