The Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) is not a fish, but rather a medium-sized crocodilian native to freshwater habitats of Central America, primarily found in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Historically, Morelet's crocodiles were heavily hunted for their valuable skins, especially during the mid-20th century, which led to significant population declines. The primary countries involved in the harvest of this species were Mexico and Belize, where commercial hunting was most intense. However, due to strict conservation measures and international protection under CITES, commercial exploitation has largely ceased, and the species is now managed through regulated programs and captive breeding. Today, the focus in these countries has shifted from harvesting to conservation, research, and ecotourism, with any legal trade tightly controlled to ensure the survival of the species.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.