Top Striped Snakehead Fishing Countries

The Striped Snakehead (Channa striata) is a hardy, predatory freshwater fish native to South and Southeast Asia, recognized for its elongated body, distinctive stripes, and ability to breathe air, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen waters. This species is highly valued as both a food fish and a game fish due to its firm, flavorful flesh and fighting ability. The top countries for striped snakehead fishing and aquaculture include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Bangladesh, where it is harvested from rivers, lakes, ponds, and rice paddies. In these nations, the striped snakehead supports local economies and food security, with Thailand and Vietnam leading in both wild capture and commercial farming. The species is also exported regionally, contributing to the broader Southeast Asian fish trade, while traditional and small-scale fisheries remain vital for rural livelihoods.

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