The armless snake eel (family Ophichthidae, genus *Ophichthus*), known for its elongated, snake-like body and absence of pectoral fins, inhabits tropical and subtropical marine waters worldwide, often burrowing in sandy or muddy bottoms. While not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, armless snake eels are sometimes caught as bycatch in trawl and bottom longline fisheries, particularly in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, where diverse demersal fisheries operate. In these regions, the eels may be locally consumed or used as bait. Additionally, small-scale fisheries in India and the Philippines occasionally harvest armless snake eels for local markets. Overall, the global fishing industry for this species remains limited and largely incidental, with Southeast Asia representing the primary region where armless snake eels are most frequently harvested.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 697 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.