Loweye catfishes, a group within the family Pimelodidae and related families, are freshwater catfish species distinguished by their relatively small eyes and elongated bodies, primarily found in South American river systems. These catfishes are not as widely recognized as channel or blue catfish but are important in local fisheries, especially in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The top countries harvesting loweye catfishes not elsewhere included (NEI) are Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target these species for local consumption and regional markets. In these countries, loweye catfishes contribute significantly to rural livelihoods and food security, with fishing typically occurring in large rivers and associated floodplains. While not a major export commodity, the sustainable management of these fisheries is vital due to their ecological and economic roles in South American freshwater systems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 8,660 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.