The African mullet, particularly species like the flathead mullet (Mugil cephalus) and the leaping mullet (Liza falcipinnis), is a hardy, fast-swimming fish found in estuaries, coastal lagoons, and rivers across Africa’s Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts. Known for their acrobatic leaps from the water, these mullets are prized for their adaptability and are an important food source in many African countries. The top leaping African mullet fishing nations include Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, where both artisanal and commercial fisheries target mullets for their meat and roe. Egypt, with its extensive Nile Delta and Mediterranean coastline, is especially renowned for its mullet fisheries, supporting both local consumption and export. In West Africa, countries like Senegal and Nigeria have vibrant small-scale fisheries, where mullet is a staple in local diets and markets. The fishing industry for African mullet is characterized by traditional methods such as beach seining and gillnetting, reflecting the species' importance to coastal livelihoods and regional economies.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritania | 53,458 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.