The Hawaiian ladyfish (Elops hawaiensis), also known as the Hawaiian tenpounder, is a slender, silvery fish found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including the Indo-Pacific region. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, ladyfish are caught for local consumption and as bait, particularly in artisanal and recreational fisheries. The primary countries involved in harvesting Hawaiian ladyfish and related species include Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and other Southeast Asian nations, where small-scale fishers utilize traditional methods such as nets and traps. In Hawaii and other Pacific islands, ladyfish are valued more for sport fishing than for commercial sale, contributing to local economies through tourism and recreational angling. The global ladyfish industry remains relatively modest, with most catches used locally rather than exported.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 1,237 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.