The Treichville fish market lines the lagoon waterfront in the early morning with catches from the Ébrié Lagoon and offshore Atlantic fishing. It is one of the largest and most active fish markets in West Africa — a dense, noisy, brightly coloured scene of traders, buyers, and porters working in the pre-dawn light.
The variety on display reflects both lagoon and deep-sea fishing: barracuda, tuna, grouper, carp, and smoked fish alongside fresh catches. Women traders dominate the commerce; they have worked these stalls for generations. Come before 8 am to see the market at its liveliest; by midday much of the fish has moved on to restaurants and households across the city.