Top Eeltail Catfishes Fishing Countries

Eeltail catfishes, belonging to the family Plotosidae, are distinctive for their elongated, eel-like bodies and are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting both freshwater and marine environments. These catfishes are especially abundant in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of the Indian subcontinent. The top countries involved in harvesting eeltail catfishes include Indonesia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia. In these countries, eeltail catfishes are valued for their firm, white flesh and are caught both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, export. The fishing industry for eeltail catfishes is often small-scale and artisanal, using traditional nets and traps in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. In Australia, species like the Tandanus catfish are also targeted by recreational anglers. While not as globally prominent as other catfish families, eeltail catfishes represent an important resource for local communities in these regions, contributing to food security and livelihoods.

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