The mountain mullet (Agonostomus monticola) is a hardy, adaptable fish species found in fast-flowing freshwater rivers and streams from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Unlike most mullets, which are primarily coastal and marine, the mountain mullet thrives in freshwater environments, often migrating between rivers and the sea. This species plays a significant role in local subsistence and small-scale commercial fisheries, particularly in countries such as Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, where it is valued for its firm flesh and is commonly caught using nets and traps. While not a major export commodity, mountain mullet supports rural economies and traditional fishing cultures throughout its range, with local consumption being the primary driver of its harvest. Conservation concerns are generally low, but habitat degradation and overfishing in certain regions have prompted calls for sustainable management to ensure the continued availability of this unique freshwater mullet.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominican Republic | 45 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.