The Bigmouth Sleeper (*Gobiomorus dormitor*) is a large, predatory goby native to freshwater and brackish habitats from southern Florida through Central America and into northern South America and the Caribbean. Known for its robust size and voracious appetite, the Bigmouth Sleeper is valued both as a food fish and in local subsistence fisheries. The top countries harvesting this species include Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, where it is commonly caught in rivers, lakes, and estuaries using nets, lines, and traditional traps. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the Bigmouth Sleeper plays an important role in local economies and diets, especially in rural areas. In some regions, overfishing and habitat degradation have raised concerns about population declines, prompting calls for improved management and conservation measures.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Mexico | 354 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.