Bagrid catfish, belonging to the family Bagridae, are a diverse group of freshwater catfish found primarily in Asia and Africa, with species such as Mystus, Hemibagrus, and Bagrus being particularly prominent. These catfish are valued for their firm, flavorful flesh and are important both in wild fisheries and aquaculture. The top bagrid catfish fishing countries include India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, and China, where rivers and floodplains provide ideal habitats for these species. In India and Bangladesh, bagrid catfish like Mystus spp. are harvested from rivers such as the Ganges and Brahmaputra, supporting local diets and livelihoods. Vietnam and Thailand have developed aquaculture systems for bagrid catfish, especially Hemibagrus, to meet both domestic demand and export markets. In Africa, countries along the Nile, such as Egypt and Sudan, also fish for Bagrus species, which are integral to local fisheries. Overall, the bagrid catfish industry is a significant contributor to food security and rural economies in these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 31,689 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.