Top Morays Eels, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Moray eels, classified under the family Muraenidae, are elongated, predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, often inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. While not as widely targeted as other commercial species, moray eels and similar species grouped as "Morays, etc. not elsewhere included" are caught for local consumption, traditional medicine, and sometimes for the aquarium trade. The leading countries harvesting these eels include Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries are common. These countries utilize handlines, traps, and spearfishing to catch morays, often as part of mixed reef fisheries. Although global catch volumes are relatively modest compared to major commercial fish, moray eels play a significant role in coastal livelihoods and local markets in these regions.

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