Top Silver Croaker Fishing Countries

The silver croaker (Plagioscion squamosissimus), also known as the silver drum, is a freshwater and estuarine fish native to South America, particularly abundant in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Recognized for its silvery body and distinctive croaking sounds, the silver croaker is an important commercial species targeted for both local consumption and export. The top countries harvesting silver croaker are Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, where the species supports significant inland fisheries. Brazil leads in production, with large-scale commercial and artisanal fisheries operating in the Amazon and its tributaries, while Colombia and Venezuela also maintain substantial catches, contributing to local economies and food security. The silver croaker fishery is vital in these regions, supporting thousands of livelihoods and forming a key component of the regional fish markets.

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