Tilapia are the most widely farmed fish globally, with production centred in developing countries. Welfare standards lag behind other aquaculture species.
Tilapia welfare in intensive systems is a significant concern given production scale. While tilapia are physiologically adapted to warm, lower-oxygen conditions, overcrowding causes social stress, aggression, and injury. The evidence base for tilapia welfare is less developed than for salmon, and welfare standards lag significantly.