The Japanese icefish (Salangichthys microdon), also known as shiro-uo, is a small, translucent fish native to the coastal waters of East Asia, particularly around Japan, Korea, and parts of China. Renowned for its delicate texture and mild flavor, it is a popular seasonal delicacy, often consumed raw or in tempura. The primary countries involved in the commercial harvesting of Japanese icefish are Japan, South Korea, and China, with Japan leading both in terms of catch volume and market demand. The fishing industry for this species is characterized by traditional methods such as small seine nets and is highly regulated to prevent overfishing, as the icefish has a short spawning season and is sensitive to environmental changes. The bulk of the catch is consumed domestically in these countries, with Japan’s Seto Inland Sea and Hokkaido being particularly famous for their icefish fisheries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 320 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.