Top Filefishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Filefishes, belonging to the family Monacanthidae, are small to medium-sized marine fishes recognized for their laterally compressed bodies, rough sandpapery skin, and distinctive, slender dorsal spines. While not as globally prominent as tuna or cod, filefishes are valued in certain regional cuisines and are often caught as bycatch in tropical and subtropical waters. The term "Top Filefishes Not Elsewhere Included" refers to filefish species not specifically categorized elsewhere in international fisheries statistics. Major fishing countries for these filefishes include China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, where they are harvested both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, export. In these countries, filefishes are typically caught using trawls, gillnets, or traps, and are consumed fresh, dried, or processed into snacks and delicacies. The fishing industry for filefishes is relatively small-scale compared to other commercial species, but it plays an important role in supporting coastal livelihoods and local food traditions in East and Southeast Asia.

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