Benin’s fishing industry, centered along its Atlantic coastline and extensive inland waterways such as Lake Nokoué and the Ouémé River, plays a vital role in the nation’s food security and economy. The top fish catches in Benin include tilapia (notably Oreochromis niloticus), catfish (Clarias gariepinus), sardines, and various species of shrimp and shellfish. Artisanal fishing dominates the sector, employing thousands and supporting local communities, while industrial fishing remains limited. Historically, fishing in Benin has been practiced for centuries, with traditional methods and gear passed down through generations. In recent decades, the industry has faced challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and competition from imported fish, prompting government efforts to promote sustainable practices and aquaculture development.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tilapias nei | 14,010 |
| 2 | Guachanche barracuda | 6,160 |
| 3 | Torpedo-shaped catfishes nei | 5,305 |
| 4 | West African Spanish mackerel | 4,595 |
| 5 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 4,470 |
| 6 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 3,410 |
| 7 | Freshwater crustaceans nei | 2,745 |
| 8 | Lesser African threadfin | 2,655 |
| 9 | West African croakers nei | 2,210 |
| 10 | Carangids nei | 2,085 |
| 11 | Diadromous clupeoids nei | 1,340 |
| 12 | Barracudas nei | 1,315 |
| 13 | African bonytongue | 1,115 |
| 14 | Mullets nei | 1,090 |
| 15 | Requiem sharks nei | 1,070 |
| 16 | West African ilisha | 970 |
| 17 | Snakeheads(=Murrels) nei | 845 |
| 18 | Sardinellas nei | 810 |
| 19 | Hammerhead sharks, etc. nei | 785 |
| 20 | Bigeye grunt | 780 |
| 21 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 725 |
| 22 | Flyingfishes nei | 720 |
| 23 | Upsidedown catfishes | 600 |
| 24 | Cyprinids nei | 585 |
| 25 | Glass schilbid | 545 |
| 26 | Grunts, sweetlips nei | 470 |
| 27 | West African ladyfish | 460 |
| 28 | Needlefishes, etc. nei | 435 |
| 29 | Atlantic bumper | 420 |
| 30 | Spinner shark | 410 |
| 31 | Stingrays nei | 365 |
| 32 | Freshwater gobies nei | 345 |
| 33 | Pigeye shark | 330 |
| 34 | True tunas nei | 305 |
| 35 | Pompano dolphinfish | 285 |
| 36 | Common dolphinfish | 235 |
| 37 | Guitarfishes, etc. nei | 225 |
| 38 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 210 |
| 39 | Common guitarfish | 200 |
| 40 | African lungfishes | 195 |
| 41 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 190 |
| 42 | Groupers nei | 185 |
| 42 | Marine fishes nei | 185 |
| 44 | Dentex nei | 165 |
| 45 | Bigeye tuna | 160 |
| 46 | Snappers nei | 150 |
| 47 | Royal threadfin | 140 |
| 48 | Great barracuda | 135 |
| 50 | Cobia | 130 |
| 50 | Elephantsnout fishes nei | 130 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.