Toadfishes, grouped in the family Batrachoididae, are bottom-dwelling marine fish known for their broad, flattened heads and the ability to produce distinctive croaking or grunting sounds. While not typically targeted by large-scale commercial fisheries due to their unassuming appearance and, in some species, mild toxicity, toadfishes are caught incidentally as bycatch and sometimes harvested for local consumption, bait, or traditional uses. The category "Toadfishes Not Elsewhere Included" in global fishery statistics refers to species outside the more commercially recognized types, and their harvest is relatively minor compared to major fish stocks. The top countries reporting catches of these lesser-known toadfishes include China, India, and some Southeast Asian nations, where diverse coastal fisheries and local markets support the utilization of a wide array of marine species. In these regions, toadfishes may be sold fresh in local markets, used as bait in crab or lobster fisheries, or processed for fishmeal, reflecting the adaptability and resourcefulness of small-scale fishing communities.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.