The Guyana swamp mussel (Mycetopoda guyanensis) is a freshwater bivalve native to the slow-moving rivers, swamps, and floodplains of northern South America, particularly within the Guiana Shield region. This species is valued locally for its edible meat and is harvested primarily by small-scale fishers. The top countries involved in the fishing and harvesting of the Guyana swamp mussel are Guyana, Suriname, and parts of northern Brazil, where traditional communities rely on these mussels as a source of protein and income. While the industry remains largely artisanal, employing hand-gathering and simple tools, the mussels are sold in local markets and sometimes used in regional cuisine. The harvest is typically regulated at a community level, and the species is not currently a major export commodity, but it plays an important role in the food security and livelihoods of riverine populations in these countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.