The Raphael catfish, commonly known as the Striped Raphael Catfish (Platydoras armatulus) or Talking Catfish, is a hardy, armored freshwater species native to the river systems of South America, particularly the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Characterized by its distinctive black and white stripes and ability to produce audible sounds, this catfish is primarily harvested for the ornamental aquarium trade rather than large-scale food fisheries. The top countries involved in the capture and export of Raphael catfish are Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, where local fishers collect them from the wild to supply international markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. While not a major player in global food fisheries, the Raphael catfish supports a niche industry that provides income for local communities and contributes to the biodiversity of the international aquarium trade.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 200 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.