Top Largehead Hairtail Fishing Countries

The largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus), also known as ribbonfish, is a long, silver, eel-like predatory fish found in tropical and temperate coastal waters worldwide. It is highly valued for its delicate, mild-flavored flesh and is a significant target for commercial fisheries, especially in East and Southeast Asia. The top largehead hairtail fishing countries include China, South Korea, Japan, and India, with China accounting for the vast majority of the global catch. These nations utilize both artisanal and industrial fishing methods, such as trawling and gillnetting, to harvest hairtail, which is consumed domestically and exported to neighboring markets. The species plays an important economic and cultural role in these regions, often featured in traditional dishes and local cuisines.

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