Top Grass Eaters Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The "Top Grass Eaters Not Elsewhere Included" category generally refers to various species of herbivorous freshwater fish—most notably the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)—that are not otherwise classified under specific species in global fisheries statistics. Grass carp, native to large rivers in East Asia, are voracious consumers of aquatic vegetation and are widely farmed for their rapid growth and ability to control weed in water bodies. The fishing and aquaculture industries for grass carp are dominated by China, which accounts for the vast majority of global production, followed by countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. These countries have developed extensive aquaculture systems, often integrating grass carp with other species in polyculture, making them major contributors to the global supply of freshwater herbivorous fish. The industry supports food security, rural livelihoods, and aquatic ecosystem management in these regions.

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