Top Catfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The category "Catfishes Not Elsewhere Included" refers to a diverse group of catfish species outside the major commercial families such as Pangasius and Ictalurus. These catfish are harvested primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with significant production coming from countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. The species in this group are typically freshwater catfishes from families such as Clariidae (airbreathing catfish), Bagridae, and Siluridae, which are valued for their adaptability to various aquatic environments and rapid growth rates. In these countries, catfish are caught both from wild fisheries and increasingly from aquaculture operations, contributing substantially to local diets and economies. India, for example, is a leading producer, with native species like the walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) and the magur (Clarias magur) being particularly important. These fisheries support millions of small-scale fishers and play a crucial role in food security and rural livelihoods across South and Southeast Asia.

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