Top Leatherjackets Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Leatherjackets, classified under the family Monacanthidae, are a group of marine fish known for their tough, sandpaper-like skin and laterally compressed bodies. These fish are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the waters around Australia, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The term "Top Leatherjackets Not Elsewhere Included" refers to species that are not specifically categorized under more well-known leatherjacket types but are still significant in commercial fisheries. Australia is a leading country in the harvest of leatherjackets, where they are caught both as targeted species and as bycatch in trawl fisheries. Japan and South Korea also have notable leatherjacket fisheries, utilizing them for local consumption due to their mild flavor and firm texture. The fishing industry for these species is generally small-scale but important for coastal communities, with the catch often sold fresh, salted, or dried in local markets.

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