Top Needlefishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Needlefishes, belonging to the family Belonidae, are slender, elongated fish known for their long, pointed jaws filled with sharp teeth. They inhabit tropical and subtropical marine and brackish waters worldwide, often near the surface. While not as commercially significant as some other fish, needlefishes are harvested in various countries where they are locally abundant and valued for food or bait. The "Top Needlefishes Not Elsewhere Included" category typically refers to countries with notable but less globally recognized needlefish fisheries, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and some West African nations. In these regions, needlefishes are caught using gillnets, hook and line, or small-scale artisanal methods, often supporting local livelihoods and markets. Their fisheries are generally small-scale and regionally important rather than major export industries, reflecting the fish's niche role in global seafood trade.

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