Top Spinefeet Rabbitfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Top Spinefeet Rabbitfishes Not Elsewhere Included (NEI) refer to several species within the Siganidae family, commonly known as rabbitfishes or spinefeet, that are not individually specified in global fisheries statistics. These herbivorous reef fishes are characterized by their laterally compressed bodies, small mouths, and venomous spines on their dorsal and anal fins. They are valued for their mild, white flesh and are a staple in many coastal diets, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The leading countries harvesting these NEI spinefeet rabbitfishes include the Philippines, Indonesia, and India, where they are caught using nets, traps, and handlines, often by small-scale and artisanal fishers. These nations rely on rabbitfishes both for local consumption and for supporting livelihoods in coastal communities, with catches typically sold fresh in local markets. The fishery is especially important in coral reef and seagrass habitats, where rabbitfishes play a key ecological role in controlling algae growth.

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