Top Giant African Threadfin Fishing Countries

The Giant African Threadfin (*Polydactylus quadrifilis*) is a large, silvery fish distinguished by its elongated pectoral filaments, inhabiting coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths along the West African coastline. Renowned for its size—reaching up to 2 meters in length—and its value as both a food source and a sport fish, the Giant African Threadfin supports important local and commercial fisheries. The top countries harvesting this species include Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fishers target threadfin using gillnets, handlines, and beach seines. In these countries, threadfin is a staple in local diets and markets, and its fisheries contribute significantly to livelihoods and food security. However, concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation have prompted calls for better management to ensure the sustainability of this valuable West African resource.

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