Top Elephantsnout Fishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Top Elephantsnout Fishes Not Elsewhere Included (NEI) refers to a group of freshwater fish within the family Mormyridae, commonly known as elephantfish, which are distinguished by their elongated, trunk-like snouts used for foraging and electroreception. These fishes are primarily native to the rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa, where they play a significant ecological and economic role. The main countries engaged in the harvesting of elephantsnout fishes are Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, and Cameroon, where they are caught both for local consumption and regional trade. The fishing industry for this group is largely artisanal, relying on traditional methods such as nets and traps, and the catch is often sold fresh or smoked in local markets. While not a major export commodity, elephantsnout fishes contribute to food security and livelihoods in rural African communities, and their unique biology has also attracted scientific interest worldwide.

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