The Alexandria pompano (Alectis alexandrina) is a sleek, silvery member of the jack family, prized for its distinctive elongated dorsal and anal fin filaments and its strong fighting ability, making it a sought-after catch for both commercial and recreational fishers. This species inhabits the warm coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. The top countries engaged in harvesting Alexandria pompano include Egypt—especially around Alexandria, which lends the fish its common name—along with Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target this species for local consumption and regional markets. While not as globally significant as other jacks or carangids, the Alexandria pompano supports important local fisheries, contributing to food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities in these countries.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Sierra Leone | 1,130 |
2 | Liberia | 222 |
3 | Senegal | 215 |
4 | Nigeria | 211 |
5 | Gambia | 59 |
6 | Benin | 15 |
7 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.