The Abu mullet, commonly known as the flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), is a widely distributed species found in coastal temperate and tropical waters worldwide, particularly in estuaries and lagoons. This fish is prized for its firm, flavorful flesh and valuable roe, making it a significant target for commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries engaged in Abu mullet fishing include Egypt, which leads global production due to the Nile Delta’s rich estuarine environments, as well as countries along the Mediterranean such as Greece, Turkey, and Italy. Asian nations like China and Taiwan also have substantial mullet fisheries, utilizing both wild capture and aquaculture. In these regions, mullet fishing is an important economic activity, supporting local communities and contributing to exports, especially of the highly sought-after salted and dried mullet roe known as bottarga.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iraq | 6,990 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.