Top Nurse Tetra Fishing Countries

The Nurse Tetra (scientific name: *Corynopoma riisei*) is a small, freshwater fish native to the rivers and streams of northern South America, particularly in Trinidad and parts of Venezuela and Colombia. Known for its peaceful temperament and unique breeding behavior, the Nurse Tetra is primarily sought after for the ornamental aquarium trade rather than large-scale commercial fishing for consumption. The top countries involved in the harvesting and export of Nurse Tetras are Venezuela, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago, where local fishers collect them from wild habitats to supply the global aquarium market. These countries have developed small but significant industries focused on the sustainable capture and export of ornamental fish, including the Nurse Tetra, which are prized by aquarists worldwide for their attractive appearance and interesting social behaviors.

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