The Middling Thread Herring (*Opisthonema oglinum*), commonly known as the Atlantic thread herring, is a small, schooling pelagic fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of the Americas from the United States to Brazil. Recognized for its slender body and long, filamentous last dorsal fin ray, this species is an important forage fish and is primarily harvested for bait, animal feed, and, in some regions, direct human consumption. The top countries involved in the commercial capture of Middling Thread Herring include the United States—especially in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southeastern Atlantic coast—Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil. These nations utilize purse seines and other netting methods to harvest large schools, supporting both local fisheries and export markets. The fishing industry for thread herring is significant in these countries, contributing to the livelihoods of coastal communities and supporting broader marine food webs by providing bait for larger commercial species such as tuna and mackerel.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 6 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.