Fusiliers, belonging to the family Caesionidae, are slender, fast-swimming reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, known for their vibrant colors and importance in tropical marine ecosystems. The category "Top Fusiliers Not Elsewhere Included" in fisheries statistics typically refers to countries harvesting significant quantities of fusiliers that are not otherwise classified under more specific national or regional categories. Major producers of fusiliers include Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and India, where these fish are caught primarily through small-scale artisanal and commercial fisheries using nets and handlines. Fusiliers are valued both for local consumption and as a source of protein, often sold fresh or dried in local markets. Their abundance and schooling behavior make them a staple catch in many Southeast Asian coastal communities, contributing to food security and livelihoods, although there is growing attention to sustainable management due to their ecological role on coral reefs.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Philippines | 17,816 |
2 | Indonesia | 10,689 |
3 | Malaysia | 1,768 |
4 | United Republic of Tanzania | 1,392 |
5 | Yemen | 1,305 |
6 | Timor-Leste | 276 |
7 | Mayotte | 12 |
8 | Singapore | 9 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.