The Bigeye Lates (Lates mariae) is a large predatory freshwater fish native to the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Recognized for its robust body and large eyes adapted to low-light environments, this species is an important target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries involved in Bigeye Lates fishing are those bordering Lake Tanganyika: Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Zambia. These nations' fishing industries rely on the Bigeye Lates as a valuable source of protein and income for local communities. The fish is typically caught using gillnets and longlines, and is sold fresh, smoked, or dried in local and regional markets. Overfishing and environmental pressures, however, have raised concerns about the sustainability of Bigeye Lates populations, prompting some collaborative management efforts among the riparian countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burundi | 40 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.