Top African Obscure Snakehead Fishing Countries

The African Obscure Snakehead (Parachanna obscura) is a freshwater predatory fish native to West and Central Africa, recognized for its elongated body, distinctive snake-like head, and ability to breathe atmospheric air, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen waters. This hardy species thrives in swamps, slow-moving rivers, and floodplains, making it a common catch in rural and artisanal fisheries. The primary countries where the African Obscure Snakehead is harvested include Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Benin. In these nations, the fish is valued for its firm, white flesh and is often caught using traditional methods such as traps, nets, and handlines. While not a major export commodity, the species is important for local food security and subsistence, with small-scale fishers supplying regional markets and communities. The fishing industry for the Obscure Snakehead remains largely informal, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods in West and Central Africa.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.