Top Manduba Fishing Countries

The Manduba, commonly known as the Jau catfish (Zungaro jahu), is a large freshwater species native to the river basins of South America, particularly the Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay systems. Renowned for its impressive size and strength, the Manduba is a prized catch among both commercial and sport fishers. The top countries engaged in Manduba fishing are Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, where the species is harvested for local consumption and regional markets. In Brazil, the Manduba supports a significant portion of the inland fisheries, especially along the Amazon and Pantanal regions, while Argentina and Paraguay also maintain active commercial and artisanal fisheries targeting this species in the Paraná River. Overfishing and habitat changes, however, have led to increased regulation and conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of Manduba populations in these countries.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Brazil2,030
2Paraguay25

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