Egypt’s fishing industry is a vital part of its economy and food security, with the country ranking as one of Africa’s leading fish producers. The industry is centered around the Nile River, its delta, numerous lakes such as Lake Nasser and Lake Manzala, and the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Egypt’s top fish catches include tilapia (especially Nile tilapia), mullet, catfish, and carp, with tilapia being the most significant both in wild catch and aquaculture. Marine species like sardines, sea bream, and shrimp are also important, particularly from Mediterranean and Red Sea fisheries. Historically, fishing in Egypt dates back to Pharaonic times, with ancient depictions of fishing methods and gear found in tombs and temples. In recent decades, the industry has shifted towards aquaculture, making Egypt the largest producer of farmed fish in Africa, which helps to meet the dietary needs of its growing population and provides employment for millions.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nile tilapia | 167,167 |
| 2 | Mullets nei | 46,357 |
| 3 | Mudfish | 45,518 |
| 4 | Sardinellas nei | 16,311 |
| 5 | Grass carp(=White amur) | 11,000 |
| 6 | Freshwater fishes nei | 9,907 |
| 7 | Red swamp crawfish | 9,769 |
| 8 | Freshwater prawns, shrimps nei | 9,535 |
| 9 | Nile perch | 8,014 |
| 10 | Bayad | 7,701 |
| 11 | Scads nei | 5,770 |
| 12 | Natantian decapods nei | 5,522 |
| 13 | European anchovy | 5,319 |
| 14 | Seabasses nei | 4,923 |
| 15 | Buccaneer anchovy | 4,580 |
| 16 | Characins nei | 4,304 |
| 17 | Marine crabs nei | 4,039 |
| 18 | Blue mackerel | 3,535 |
| 19 | Marine molluscs nei | 3,431 |
| 20 | Lizardfishes nei | 2,916 |
| 21 | Upsidedown catfishes | 2,872 |
| 22 | Orangespotted trevally | 2,727 |
| 23 | Groupers nei | 2,661 |
| 24 | Freshwater crustaceans nei | 2,575 |
| 25 | Indian mackerel | 2,548 |
| 26 | Gilthead seabream | 2,264 |
| 27 | Largehead hairtail | 2,210 |
| 28 | Emperors(=Scavengers) nei | 2,180 |
| 29 | Marine fishes nei | 2,139 |
| 30 | Cuttlefish, bobtail squids nei | 1,714 |
| 31 | Threadfin breams nei | 1,699 |
| 32 | Silver carp | 1,656 |
| 33 | Barracudas nei | 1,578 |
| 34 | Common carp | 1,444 |
| 35 | Common sole | 1,422 |
| 36 | Freshwater molluscs nei | 1,410 |
| 37 | Meagre | 1,334 |
| 38 | Silversides(=Sand smelts) nei | 1,329 |
| 39 | Parrotfishes nei | 1,224 |
| 40 | Spinefeet(=Rabbitfishes) nei | 1,141 |
| 41 | Tiger fish | 1,076 |
| 42 | Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel | 1,070 |
| 43 | Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj) | 1,065 |
| 44 | Diadromous clupeoids nei | 985 |
| 45 | Bogue | 963 |
| 46 | Red porgy | 933 |
| 47 | Striped piggy | 815 |
| 48 | Clupeoids nei | 763 |
| 49 | Kawakawa | 746 |
| 50 | Common squids nei | 728 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.