Aquaculture

Farmed Catfish Pain Management and Welfare

Pain management in farmed catfish is largely absent despite evidence that these fish experience nociception and show pain-related behaviour.

Key Facts

Catfish have nociceptors and show protective responses to noxious stimuli
Hook injuries during angling cause documented behavioural changes in catfish
Skin parasites and fin damage cause chronic low-grade welfare insults
Catfish are harvested by seining and sometimes electroshocking
Anaesthetics suitable for catfish exist but are rarely used

Welfare Considerations

Catfish welfare has received far less attention than salmonid welfare despite their widespread farming. The evidence base for catfish sentience supports precautionary application of welfare standards including anaesthesia for painful procedures and improved harvest methods.

What You Can Do

Support research into catfish welfare and pain management
Advocate for catfish welfare inclusion in aquaculture certification
Choose catfish products from producers with documented welfare practices