Top Duckbill Catfish Fishing Countries

The duckbill catfish, also known as the Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius), was a large, distinctive freshwater species native to the Yangtze River in China, recognized for its elongated, paddle-shaped snout. Once highly prized for its meat and considered a significant catch in Chinese commercial fisheries, the species suffered from overfishing, habitat loss, and dam construction, leading to its dramatic decline. Historically, China was the primary—and essentially only—country harvesting the duckbill catfish, as it was endemic to Chinese waters. However, by the early 21st century, the species was declared functionally extinct, and in 2020, it was officially listed as extinct by the IUCN. Today, the story of the duckbill catfish serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unsustainable fishing practices and riverine habitat modification, highlighting the need for conservation efforts in major fishing nations.

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