The daisy stingray (*Fontitrygon margarita*) is a species of cartilaginous fish found primarily in the shallow coastal waters and estuaries of West Africa, from Senegal to Angola. Characterized by its rounded pectoral disc and distinctive daisy-like dorsal pattern, this stingray is often caught as bycatch in artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries using trawls, gillnets, and longlines. The primary countries involved in harvesting the daisy stingray are Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Angola, where the species is valued for its meat, which is consumed locally or sold in regional markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to declines in daisy stingray populations, prompting concerns about the sustainability of these fisheries and the need for improved management practices in the region.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Liberia | 280 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.