Freshwater prawn farming, particularly of giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), is growing in South and Southeast Asia with specific welfare challenges.
Freshwater prawn welfare presents unique challenges arising from the species' complex social biology. The dominance hierarchy system means that subordinate individuals - the majority in any farmed group - experience chronic suppression that represents a form of welfare compromise if these animals have meaningful wellbeing. Management strategies that reduce density and allow more equitable access to resources could improve welfare for the majority of individuals while maintaining production. This is an area where welfare science investment is particularly needed.