Clarias gariepinus is a very resilient and fast growing air-breathing fish. It is farmed mostly in Africa, South America, Asia and China, using extensive and traditional methods as well as intensive and industrial techniques. Probably due to its resilience, and despite promising biological traits, some aspects of welfare are either disregarded or overlooked. It is an aggressive fish and easily stressed by usual rearing conditions and practices. It is sensitive to environmental cues when spawning, and usual farming procedures for reproduction are highly invasive. If proper attention is given to these aspects and if reared in conditions that respect spatial needs, it has potential to be reared in good welfare conditions.
