Top Tonguefishes Fishing Countries

Tonguefishes (family Cynoglossidae) are a group of flatfishes characterized by their elongated, asymmetrical bodies and small, rounded heads, typically inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms in tropical and subtropical coastal waters. These bottom-dwelling fish are primarily targeted for local consumption, dried fish products, and sometimes as bycatch in trawl fisheries. The leading countries in tonguefish harvesting are China, India, and Thailand, where these fish are commonly caught in shallow coastal regions using trawl nets and artisanal fishing methods. China dominates global production, with significant catches reported from the East and South China Seas, while India and Thailand also contribute notable landings, particularly from the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Thailand. The tonguefish fishery is generally small-scale but plays an important role in regional diets and local economies, especially in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia.

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