Bichique, also known as goby fry or whitebait, refers to the juvenile stage of certain goby fish species (notably Sicyopterus lagocephalus and related species) found primarily in the rivers of the Indian Ocean islands and parts of South and Southeast Asia. Renowned for their delicate flavor and cultural significance, bichique are especially prized in Mauritius, Réunion, and Madagascar, where their seasonal harvest is a traditional activity and a culinary delicacy. In these countries, fishing for bichique is often done using fine-meshed nets at river mouths during their upstream migration, supporting both local subsistence and small-scale commercial markets. While Mauritius and Réunion are the most famous for their bichique fisheries, similar practices are found in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and parts of Indonesia, where the fry of related goby species are also harvested and enjoyed as a seasonal treat. The industry, however, is closely monitored in some regions due to concerns about overfishing and the sustainability of goby populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 4,788 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.