Top Mudfish Fishing Countries

Mudfish is a common name applied to several freshwater fish species, most notably those in the genera Neochanna (native to New Zealand and Australia), and species such as the African mudfish (Clarias spp.) and the bowfin (Amia calva) in North America. These resilient fish are known for their ability to survive in low-oxygen environments and even endure periods of drought by burrowing into mud. The top mudfish fishing countries vary by species: New Zealand and Australia are notable for their commercial and recreational harvest of Neochanna species, while several African countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and Uganda, have significant fisheries for African mudfish, which are a vital protein source and support local economies. In the United States, bowfin are occasionally caught by anglers, though they are less targeted commercially. Mudfish play an important role in subsistence and small-scale fisheries, particularly in Africa and Oceania, where their hardiness makes them a reliable food resource.

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