Top Citharinus Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Citharinus, commonly known as moonfish or lutefish, is a genus of freshwater fish native to African river systems, particularly the Nile, Niger, and Congo basins. These medium-to-large, laterally compressed fish are valued for their firm, white flesh and play an important role in local diets and artisanal fisheries. The "Top Citharinus Not Elsewhere Included" category in global fisheries statistics typically refers to catches of Citharinus species that are not specified at the species level. The leading fishing countries for these species are found in West and Central Africa, with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali among the most prominent harvesters. In these regions, Citharinus are caught primarily using traditional nets and traps in rivers and floodplains, supporting both local consumption and regional fish markets. The fishing industry for Citharinus is largely artisanal, providing livelihoods for numerous small-scale fishers and contributing significantly to food security in these countries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.