Top Needlefishes, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Needlefishes and related species classified as “not elsewhere included” (NEI) are slender, elongated marine fish known for their beak-like jaws filled with sharp teeth. These pelagic fish are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, often near the surface. The main commercial species include members of the family Belonidae, such as the flat needlefish and the hound needlefish. The global catch of needlefishes is relatively modest compared to major commercial species, but they are regionally important, especially in Southeast Asia and West Africa. Top fishing countries include Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Nigeria, where needlefishes are caught using gillnets, seines, and artisanal gear for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, export. The fish are valued for their firm, white flesh and are commonly sold fresh, dried, or salted in local markets. While not a primary target of large-scale industrial fisheries, needlefishes contribute to the livelihoods of small-scale coastal fishers and play a role in regional food security.

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