Top Gudgeons, Sleepers Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Gudgeons and sleepers, categorized under "not elsewhere included" (nei) in global fisheries statistics, refer to a diverse group of small, bottom-dwelling freshwater fish primarily from the families Eleotridae (sleepers) and Gobionidae (gudgeons). These species are commonly found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries across Asia and parts of Europe. The top fishing countries for these fish are China, Vietnam, and Thailand, where they are harvested both for local consumption and as bait in larger fisheries. These countries have well-established inland fisheries sectors, and gudgeons and sleepers are valued for their adaptability to aquaculture and their role in traditional diets. While not as globally prominent as other fish species, their steady harvest supports rural economies and contributes to food security in regions where freshwater fishing is a vital livelihood.

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