Top Knifefishes Fishing Countries

Knifefishes, belonging primarily to the families Notopteridae (Old World knifefishes) and Gymnotidae (New World knifefishes), are elongated, laterally compressed freshwater fish known for their undulating fin movements and nocturnal habits. These species are popular both in the ornamental aquarium trade and, to a lesser extent, as food fish. The primary countries harvesting knifefishes are found in South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia, where species like the Clown Knifefish (Chitala ornata) and the Bronze Featherback (Notopterus notopterus) are caught from rivers and lakes. In South America, especially Brazil and Colombia, Gymnotid knifefishes such as the Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons) are collected mainly for export to the aquarium industry. While commercial-scale fisheries for knifefishes are relatively small compared to other freshwater species, their unique appearance and adaptability have made them valuable in both local food markets and the global ornamental fish trade.

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