Top Sampa Fishing Countries

The sampa, more commonly known as tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), is a large, omnivorous freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. Renowned for its robust size and delicious, fatty flesh, tambaqui is a staple in local diets and a prized catch for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. Brazil is by far the leading country in tambaqui fishing and aquaculture, with significant production also occurring in Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. In recent decades, tambaqui farming has surged, particularly in Brazil’s Amazonian states, making it one of the most important freshwater aquaculture species in South America. The fishing and farming of tambaqui not only supports local economies but also plays a crucial role in food security throughout the region.

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