The Amazon sailfin catfish, commonly known as Pterygoplichthys spp. or "plecos," is a hardy, armored catfish native to the Amazon River basin in South America. Characterized by its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and sucker mouth, this species is primarily harvested for the aquarium trade rather than for food. The top countries involved in the capture and export of Amazon sailfin catfish are Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, where the fish are collected from the wild and shipped globally, especially to North America, Europe, and Asia. While local consumption is minimal, the fishing and export of sailfin catfish support small-scale fisheries and local economies in these Amazonian countries, though concerns persist regarding overharvesting and the ecological impacts of their introduction to non-native environments.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 1,390 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.