The Minor Stardrum (Stellifer minor) is a small, demersal fish species found primarily in the shallow coastal waters of the western Atlantic, notably along the coasts of Central and South America. Recognized for its silvery body and distinctive drumming sound produced by its swim bladder, the Minor Stardrum is an important species for local artisanal fisheries rather than large-scale commercial operations. The top countries harvesting Minor Stardrum include Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Suriname, where the fish is caught mainly using small trawl nets and beach seines. In these countries, the Minor Stardrum is valued both as a source of affordable protein for local communities and as bait for larger commercial fisheries. While not a major export commodity, sustainable management of Minor Stardrum stocks is important for the livelihoods of small-scale fishers throughout its range.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Peru | 283 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.