The Top Hardyhead Silverside (*Atherinomorus lacunosus*), also known as the hardyhead silverside or lagoon silverside, is a small, schooling coastal fish found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific regions. Recognized for its silvery body and adaptability to a variety of habitats such as lagoons, estuaries, and shallow coastal areas, this species is commonly used as bait in commercial and artisanal fisheries and sometimes consumed locally. The main countries involved in the harvest of the hardyhead silverside are those bordering the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, particularly Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. In these countries, the fish is typically caught using small-scale nets and seine fishing, contributing to local economies and supporting coastal communities. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the hardyhead silverside plays an important role in regional bait fisheries and as a food source in some areas.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.