Soldierfishes, primarily belonging to the family Holocentridae, are small, nocturnal, and often brightly colored reef fishes characterized by their large eyes and spiny dorsal fins. While not as commercially significant as other reef fish, they are harvested in several tropical and subtropical regions, especially for local consumption, ornamental trade, and sometimes as bait. The "Top Soldierfishes Not Elsewhere Included" category refers to catches of soldierfish species not specifically identified in global fisheries statistics. The leading countries engaged in the harvest of these species include Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries target them along coral reefs and rocky coastal habitats. These countries' fishing industries rely on traditional methods such as handlines, traps, and small nets, and soldierfishes are typically sold fresh in local markets or occasionally exported for aquarium use. Despite their modest economic value compared to other finfish, soldierfishes play an important role in the livelihoods of coastal communities in these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.