The fishing industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is vital for local food security and livelihoods, with the Congo River and its vast network of tributaries and lakes providing abundant fish resources. The top fish catches in the country include species such as tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), catfish (Clarias spp. and Synodontis spp.), Nile perch (Lates niloticus), and various types of carp and cichlids. Traditional fishing methods, such as nets, traps, and lines, have been practiced for centuries, supporting rural communities along the waterways. While the DRC’s fishing industry remains largely artisanal and subsistence-based, with limited commercial development due to infrastructure and market challenges, fish remains a crucial source of protein for millions. Overfishing and environmental pressures have emerged as concerns in recent decades, prompting efforts to improve management and sustainability of the country’s rich aquatic resources.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freshwater fishes nei | 39,208 |
| 2 | Round sardinella | 7,529 |
| 3 | Marine fishes nei | 2,039 |
| 4 | Largehead hairtail | 1,925 |
| 5 | Bigeye grunt | 1,274 |
| 6 | Madeiran sardinella | 1,087 |
| 7 | Bonga shad | 1,086 |
| 8 | Mojarras, etc. nei | 896 |
| 9 | West African croakers nei | 806 |
| 10 | Dentex nei | 541 |
| 11 | Boe drum | 499 |
| 12 | Flyingfishes nei | 472 |
| 13 | Royal threadfin | 470 |
| 14 | Hammerhead sharks, etc. nei | 448 |
| 15 | Tonguefishes | 410 |
| 16 | West African ilisha | 382 |
| 17 | Bearded brotula | 327 |
| 18 | Sea catfishes nei | 326 |
| 19 | Conger eels, etc. nei | 302 |
| 20 | Canary drum(=Baardman) | 256 |
| 21 | Rays, stingrays, mantas nei | 246 |
| 22 | Cunene horse mackerel | 231 |
| 23 | Sardinellas nei | 226 |
| 24 | Atlantic bumper | 224 |
| 25 | Jacks, crevalles nei | 220 |
| 26 | Requiem sharks nei | 217 |
| 27 | African moonfish | 214 |
| 28 | Lesser African threadfin | 204 |
| 29 | Penaeus shrimps nei | 189 |
| 30 | Deep-water rose shrimp | 165 |
| 31 | Red pandora | 148 |
| 32 | Atlantic bonito | 127 |
| 33 | Mullets nei | 121 |
| 34 | Blue butterfish | 116 |
| 35 | Groupers nei | 115 |
| 36 | African sicklefish | 111 |
| 37 | Snappers nei | 107 |
| 38 | Frigate tuna | 87 |
| 39 | Barracudas nei | 85 |
| 39 | Atlantic chub mackerel | 85 |
| 41 | Marine crabs nei | 83 |
| 42 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 54 |
| 43 | Giant African threadfin | 38 |
| 44 | Scorpionfishes, redfishes nei | 33 |
| 44 | Guitarfishes, etc. nei | 33 |
| 46 | Parrotfishes nei | 31 |
| 48 | Sompat grunt | 30 |
| 48 | Gurnards, searobins nei | 30 |
| 48 | Triggerfishes, durgons nei | 30 |
| 48 | Southern meagre(=Mulloway) | 30 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.