Top African Pompano Fishing Countries

The African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) is a striking, silvery game fish known for its elongated fin filaments in juveniles and its powerful, deep-bodied form as an adult. Found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, including the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, this species is especially prevalent along the coasts of West Africa, where nations such as Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria are notable for their commercial and artisanal harvests. In these countries, African pompano is caught both for local consumption and export, contributing to coastal economies and supporting small-scale fisheries. While not typically targeted by large industrial fleets, the species is valued for its firm, white flesh and is also sought after by recreational anglers in South Africa and Mozambique, where catch-and-release practices are increasingly promoted to ensure sustainable populations. Overall, the African pompano plays a modest but important role in the fishing industries of several African coastal nations, balancing commercial, subsistence, and sport fishing interests.

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