The Chilean silverside (Odontesthes regia), also known as "pejerrey," is a small, slender, silver-colored fish native to the coastal waters and estuaries of the southeastern Pacific, particularly along the coasts of Chile and Peru. Prized for its delicate flavor and versatility, the Chilean silverside supports a significant artisanal and commercial fishery in South America. Chile is the leading country in harvesting this species, with its fisheries centered around the central and northern coastal regions, where the fish is both consumed locally and exported, especially in salted and dried forms. Peru also maintains a notable fishery for the Chilean silverside, primarily for domestic consumption and regional trade. While Argentina and Uruguay have their own native silverside species, the bulk of the global Chilean silverside catch comes from Chile and Peru, where it forms an important part of coastal economies and traditional diets.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 476 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.