The Philippines is renowned for its production and consumption of catfish, locally known as "hito," a resilient freshwater species prized for its adaptability and mild flavor. The primary catfish species farmed and harvested in the Philippines is the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), alongside the native Clarias batrachus. While the Philippines is a significant producer in Southeast Asia, the top catfish fishing countries globally are Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, where species such as Pangasius (basa and tra) and other Clariid catfishes dominate aquaculture. Vietnam leads the world in catfish exports, particularly Pangasius, supplying vast amounts to the US, Europe, and beyond. In the Philippines, catfish farming is a vital industry for small-scale fishers and rural communities, contributing to food security and local economies, though it remains smaller in scale compared to the massive export-oriented industries of neighboring countries.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.