Top Pilotfish Fishing Countries

The pilotfish (*Naucrates ductor*) is a distinctive, slender marine species recognized by its dark vertical bands and symbiotic association with larger marine animals such as sharks, rays, and sea turtles, often swimming alongside them in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Although not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries due to its relatively small size and scattered populations, pilotfish are occasionally caught as bycatch in tuna and shark fisheries. Countries with significant pelagic fishing industries, such as Spain, Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia, are most likely to harvest pilotfish incidentally, particularly in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. While pilotfish are not a staple in global seafood markets, they hold ecological importance and are sometimes used locally as bait or minor food sources in regions where pelagic fishing is prevalent.

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