Abstract: Fish welfare is a good condition of survival that includes a healthy, comfortable and safe living environment, adequate nutrition, and freedom from pain, fear and stress. Welfare aquaculture is a necessary way to obtain pollution-free, and high-quality aquatic products. With the rapid development of global aquaculture and the continuous decline of fishery resources, the issue of fish welfare has received increasing attention from animal protection organizations, government departments, scientific research institutions, aquaculture practitioners, and consumers alike. In recent years, research on fish welfare in China has been on the rise, but the current status of the development of fish welfare for the national conditions of our country and the comparisons with other nations, remains unclear. Through bibliometric analysis, this paper briefly describes the research progress on fish welfare both domestically and internationally, and then analyzes the opportunities and challenges fish welfare faces within the context of China’s national conditions. This paper plays a significant role in raising public awareness, formulating policy guidelines, and promoting related scientific research and technological innovation. By encouraging in-depth investigation and systematic analysis, it seeks to provide guidance for the development and practice of fish welfare thereby promoting improvements and sustainable advancements in the field.