Top Porthole Shovelnose Catfish Fishing Countries

The Top Porthole Shovelnose Catfish (*Hemisorubim platyrhynchos*) is a distinctive freshwater catfish native to the river systems of South America, particularly the Amazon, Paraná, and Paraguay basins. Recognized for its elongated, flattened snout and prominent porthole-like markings along its sides, this species is prized both as a food fish and for sport fishing. The primary countries involved in the harvest of the Top Porthole Shovelnose Catfish are Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia, where the species is caught in both artisanal and commercial fisheries. In these countries, the catfish supports local economies and is a staple in regional cuisine, while also attracting recreational anglers due to its size and fighting ability. Sustainable management is increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of both the species and the fishing industries that depend on it.

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