The Reticulate Knifefish (Papyrocranus afer), also known as the African knifefish, is a freshwater species native to rivers and lakes across West and Central Africa. Characterized by its elongated, laterally compressed body and undulating fin, this nocturnal predator is prized in local subsistence fisheries and occasionally appears in the ornamental fish trade due to its unique appearance. The top countries involved in harvesting the Reticulate Knifefish are Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where artisanal fishers catch them for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, for export. While not a major commercial species compared to tilapia or catfish, the knifefish contributes to the livelihoods of riverside communities and is valued for its delicate flesh and adaptability to local culinary traditions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.