Top Lizardfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Lizardfishes, belonging to the family Synodontidae, are slender, predatory marine fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, often inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal regions. While not as commercially prominent as other species, lizardfishes are harvested in significant quantities in several Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. The leading fishing nations for "Top Lizardfishes Not Elsewhere Included"—a category used in FAO fisheries statistics for various lizardfish species not specified individually—include Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia. These countries utilize lizardfishes primarily for local consumption, fish meal, and sometimes as bait in larger fisheries. The lizardfish fishery is typically small-scale, involving trawl and gillnet operations, and plays a supplementary role in supporting coastal livelihoods and regional fish markets.

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