Top Halfbeaks Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Halfbeaks, belonging to the family Hemiramphidae, are slender, surface-dwelling fish recognizable by their elongated lower jaws. While not among the most commercially prominent fish, halfbeaks are harvested in several countries, often grouped in fisheries data as "Halfbeaks nei" (not elsewhere included) due to the diversity of species and lack of species-specific reporting. The top fishing countries for halfbeaks nei typically include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, where these fish are caught both for local consumption and as bait in larger fisheries, such as for tuna. The halfbeak fishery is generally small-scale and artisanal, with catches often sold fresh in local markets or used in traditional dishes. Though not a major export commodity, halfbeaks play an important role in the coastal economies and food security of Southeast Asian nations.

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