The Silver Stripe Round Herring (Spratelloides gracilis) is a small, schooling pelagic fish found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for its slender, silver body and distinctive lateral stripe, this species is highly valued as bait in tuna fisheries and is also consumed directly in some countries. The top fishing nations for Silver Stripe Round Herring include Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, where it plays a significant role in both artisanal and commercial fisheries. Japan, in particular, has a well-developed industry for processing and exporting this species, often using it in traditional dishes such as "shirasu." Indonesia and the Philippines also rely heavily on this fish for local consumption and as a crucial component of their tuna pole-and-line fisheries, reflecting the species' economic and ecological importance in the region.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiwan Province of China | 34 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.