Stumpnoses, primarily of the genus *Rhabdosargus*, are medium-sized, bottom-dwelling fish found in coastal and estuarine waters, especially around southern Africa and parts of the Indian Ocean. Known for their blunt snouts and silvery bodies, stumpnoses are popular targets for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to their firm, tasty flesh. The leading countries harvesting stumpnoses not elsewhere included (NEI) are South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia, where these fish are caught using line, nets, and occasionally traps. In South Africa, stumpnose species such as the white stumpnose (*Rhabdosargus globiceps*) and the Cape stumpnose (*Rhabdosargus holubi*) are especially valued, supporting local artisanal fisheries and contributing to coastal livelihoods. While not a major global commodity, stumpnoses play a significant role in regional fisheries, with management measures in place in some countries to ensure sustainable harvests and protect their habitats from overfishing and degradation.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Arab Emirates | 937 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.