Top Lesser African Threadfin Fishing Countries

The Lesser African Threadfin (*Galeoides decadactylus*) is a coastal, schooling fish found along the tropical eastern Atlantic coast of Africa, from Morocco to Angola. Recognized by its elongated pectoral filaments, this species inhabits shallow waters, estuaries, and lagoons, making it accessible to artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries. Major fishing countries for the Lesser African Threadfin include Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, where it is an important source of protein and income for coastal communities. The fish is typically caught using gillnets, beach seines, and trawls, and is sold fresh, smoked, or dried in local markets. Overfishing and habitat degradation are growing concerns in some regions, prompting efforts to improve management and sustainability of threadfin stocks in West Africa.

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