Top Ponyfishes Slipmouths Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Ponyfishes, also known as slipmouths, belong to the family Leiognathidae and are small, silvery marine fish found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. Characterized by their highly protrusible mouths, which they use to feed on small invertebrates, these fish are commonly caught in coastal and estuarine fisheries. The top countries harvesting ponyfishes (slipmouths not elsewhere included) are predominantly in Southeast Asia, with Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia leading global catches. These nations utilize ponyfishes both for direct human consumption—often dried, salted, or used in fish paste—and as bycatch in trawl and small-scale fisheries. The slipmouth fishing industry is important for local economies, providing livelihoods for small-scale fishers and contributing to the region’s diverse seafood markets.

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