Top Eastern Bottlenose Mormyrid Fishing Countries

The Eastern Bottlenose Mormyrid (Gnathonemus longibarbis) is a freshwater fish species native to rivers and lakes across East and Central Africa, particularly known for its elongated snout and remarkable ability to generate weak electric fields for navigation and communication. This species is primarily found in the Nile, Congo, and Lake Victoria basins. The top countries engaged in the fishing and harvest of the Eastern Bottlenose Mormyrid include Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. In these countries, the fish is caught both for local consumption—where it is valued for its delicate flavor—and for regional markets. The fishing industry for this species is largely artisanal, with small-scale fishers using traditional nets and traps, though some commercial operations exist near major water bodies. The trade in mormyrids, including the Eastern Bottlenose, also supports local economies and contributes to food security in rural communities.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Zimbabwe152

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