Top Gilded Catfish Fishing Countries

The gilded catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii), also known as "dorado catfish" or "piramutaba," is a large migratory species native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Renowned for its impressive size and long-distance migrations, the gilded catfish is a key species in commercial and artisanal fisheries throughout the region. The top countries harvesting this species are Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, where it is a staple in local diets and a significant contributor to the freshwater fishing industry. In Brazil, particularly in the Amazon River and its tributaries, the gilded catfish supports both local consumption and export markets. Peru and Colombia also maintain robust fisheries for this species, with the fish often processed into fillets or salted products for regional trade. Overfishing and habitat changes, however, pose challenges to sustainable management, prompting collaborative efforts among these nations to ensure the long-term viability of gilded catfish populations.

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