Top Squirrelfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Squirrelfishes, grouped under the family Holocentridae, are brightly colored, nocturnal reef dwellers known for their large eyes and spiny fins, commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters. While not a major global commercial species, squirrelfishes are harvested in moderate quantities, primarily for local consumption and sometimes as bait or aquarium specimens. The leading countries for "Squirrelfishes Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in fisheries statistics typically include Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations, where small-scale and artisanal fisheries target these species along coral reefs. In these regions, squirrelfishes are valued for their firm, white flesh and are sold fresh in local markets. The fishing industry for squirrelfishes is generally characterized by low-tech methods such as handlines, traps, and small nets, reflecting the species’ importance to coastal livelihoods rather than large-scale export.

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