Top Pacific Rudderfish Fishing Countries

The Pacific rudderfish (Psenopsis anomala), also known as butterfish or Japanese butterfish, is a deep-bodied, silvery fish found in the Northwest Pacific, particularly around Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. This species is highly valued for its delicate, flavorful flesh and is commonly harvested by trawl and set net fisheries. Japan is the leading country in the Pacific rudderfish fishing industry, both in terms of catch volume and market demand, with the fish featuring prominently in Japanese cuisine. South Korea and China also maintain significant fisheries for Pacific rudderfish, supplying both domestic consumption and export markets. The fishing industry for this species is characterized by a combination of traditional small-scale operations and larger commercial fleets, with ongoing efforts in some regions to manage stocks sustainably due to concerns about overfishing.

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