Top Upsidedown Catfishes Fishing Countries

Upside-down catfishes, primarily from the genus *Synodontis*, are unique freshwater fish native to Africa, distinguished by their habit of swimming inverted to graze on the undersides of submerged objects. These catfish are especially abundant in the Congo Basin and other major African river systems. The principal countries involved in their harvest are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana, where they are caught both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, for the aquarium trade. In these regions, upside-down catfishes are valued for their mild flavor and adaptability to various cooking methods, contributing to local diets and small-scale fisheries. While not a major export commodity compared to other African fish species, their collection supports livelihoods in rural communities and features in artisanal and subsistence fishing practices across Central and West Africa.

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