Glassfishes, belonging primarily to the family Ambassidae, are small, translucent freshwater and brackish fish native to South and Southeast Asia, with some species found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Known for their see-through bodies, glassfishes are popular in the aquarium trade and are also harvested for local consumption. The top countries involved in glassfish fishing include India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia, where these fish are caught in rivers, lakes, and estuaries using traditional nets and traps. In India and Bangladesh, glassfishes are an important source of protein for rural communities and are sometimes dried or salted for preservation. While the glassfish fishing industry is relatively small compared to major commercial fisheries, it plays a significant role in local economies and food security within these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippines | 1,843 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.