The Coco sea catfish (Arius seemanni), also known as the Tete sea catfish or Colombian shark catfish, is a coastal and estuarine species found predominantly in the eastern Pacific, ranging from Mexico to Peru. Recognized for its distinctive silver-gray coloration and prominent barbels, this catfish is valued both as a food source and in the aquarium trade. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvest of the Coco sea catfish are Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target this species using gillnets and longlines. These nations rely on the catfish for local consumption and regional markets, with the species playing a modest but important role in supporting coastal fishing communities. While not a globally dominant fishery, the Coco sea catfish is significant within its native range, contributing to food security and local economies along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Guiana | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.