Bangladesh boasts one of the world’s most vibrant fishing industries, rooted in its vast network of rivers, floodplains, and the Bay of Bengal coastline. The country is renowned for its rich catches of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), which is not only the national fish but also a cultural delicacy and the top contributor to national fish production. Other major species include Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and various species of carp and catfish, as well as shrimp, particularly black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) for export. Fishing in Bangladesh has ancient origins, with traditional methods evolving alongside modern aquaculture and commercial fishing since independence in 1971. Today, the sector is vital for food security, employment, and export earnings, making Bangladesh one of the leading fish-producing countries globally.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freshwater fishes nei | 1,008,574 |
| 2 | Hilsa shad | 566,593 |
| 3 | Marine fishes nei | 207,573 |
| 4 | Bombay-duck | 82,660 |
| 5 | Freshwater crustaceans nei | 68,335 |
| 6 | Marine crustaceans nei | 47,606 |
| 7 | Sea catfishes nei | 14,566 |
| 8 | Seerfishes nei | 11,155 |
| 9 | Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei | 7,017 |
| 10 | Kawakawa | 4,067 |
| 11 | Frigate tuna | 1,464 |
| 12 | Tuna-like fishes nei | 1,324 |
| 13 | Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel | 1,107 |
| 14 | Bigeye tuna | 1,000 |
| 15 | Bullet tuna | 976 |
| 16 | Indo-Pacific king mackerel | 968 |
| 17 | Yellowfin tuna | 850 |
| 18 | Longtail tuna | 827 |
| 19 | Skipjack tuna | 800 |
| 20 | Indian threadfin | 199 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.