The fringelip mullet (*Crenimugil crenilabis*) is a coastal fish species found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, recognized by its distinctive fringed lips and adaptability to both marine and brackish environments. This mullet is valued for its role in artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries, particularly across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean rim. The top countries harvesting fringelip mullet include Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, where it is caught using traditional nets and traps, often alongside other mullet species. These nations rely on the fringelip mullet for local consumption, with the fish being a staple in regional diets and markets, and occasionally for export. The fishing industry for this species is typically small-scale, supporting coastal communities and contributing to food security, though it is less industrialized compared to mullet fisheries in the Mediterranean or Atlantic regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.