Top Filefishes, Leatherjackets Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Filefishes and leatherjackets, grouped under the family Monacanthidae, are distinctive marine fishes recognized for their rough, sandpapery skin and laterally compressed bodies, often sporting a prominent spine on their heads. These species inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, with significant populations in the Indo-Pacific region. The top fishing countries for filefishes and leatherjackets not elsewhere included (NEI) are predominantly in Asia, notably China, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, where these fish are valued both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, export. The fishing industry targeting these species typically employs small-scale coastal fisheries using trawls, gillnets, and traps. Filefishes and leatherjackets are prized for their firm, white flesh and are commonly found in local markets, where they are sold fresh, dried, or salted. While not as globally significant as some other commercial fish species, they play an important role in the diets and economies of coastal communities in these leading fishing nations.

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