Snake eels, classified within the family Ophichthidae, are elongated, burrowing marine fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. While not as commercially significant as other eel species, snake eels are harvested in moderate quantities, often grouped under the "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) category in global fisheries statistics due to their diverse species and sporadic landings. Major fishing countries for snake eels NEI include Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, where they are caught both as targeted species and as bycatch in trawl and artisanal fisheries. These countries utilize snake eels mainly for local consumption, with some processed for export in dried or salted forms. The fishing industry for snake eels remains relatively small-scale compared to other eels, but it provides important livelihoods for coastal communities in Southeast and South Asia, where these fish are valued for their protein content and culinary versatility.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberia | 140 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.