Top thread herrings (family Clupeidae, subfamily Dussumieriinae) are small, schooling pelagic fish found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Characterized by a slender body and a distinctive elongated last dorsal fin ray ("thread"), these fish are important for local fisheries and are often caught for food, fishmeal, and bait. The main countries harvesting "top thread herrings not elsewhere included" (a catch-all category in FAO statistics for thread herring species not specifically identified) are India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These nations operate large-scale artisanal and commercial fisheries, with catches often landed by purse seines, gillnets, and small trawlers. The industry supports coastal communities and contributes to both domestic consumption and export markets, reflecting the economic and dietary significance of thread herrings in South and Southeast Asia.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 7,111 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.