South America is renowned for its diverse and abundant catfish species, most notably the giant Piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum), redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), and surubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.), which inhabit the vast river systems such as the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná. Brazil stands out as the leading catfish fishing country, with its Amazon Basin supporting both commercial and artisanal fisheries targeting these large, migratory catfish for local consumption and export. Argentina and Colombia also have significant catfish fisheries, particularly in the Paraná and Magdalena rivers, respectively. These countries' fishing industries rely on catfish for food security, economic activity, and sport fishing tourism, though concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation have prompted increased regulation and conservation efforts in recent years.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 8 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.