Top Freshwater Fishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The category "Top Freshwater Fishes Not Elsewhere Included (nei)" refers to a diverse group of freshwater fish species that are not classified under specific, well-known categories like carp, tilapia, or catfish in global fisheries statistics. These species, often grouped due to their varied taxonomy and local importance, include a wide range of cyprinids, characins, cichlids, and other families. Major countries harvesting these "nei" freshwater fishes include China, India, Bangladesh, and several Southeast Asian nations, where small-scale and artisanal fisheries play a crucial role in rural livelihoods and food security. In these countries, the fishing industry for "nei" species is characterized by a mix of wild capture and aquaculture, with fish commonly consumed locally or sold in regional markets. The lack of precise species identification in statistics reflects both the immense biodiversity of freshwater systems in these regions and the challenges in monitoring and managing such multispecies fisheries.

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