Top Tuna Like Fishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

"Top tuna-like fishes not elsewhere included" is a category used in global fisheries statistics to group together various large, fast-swimming pelagic fish species that resemble true tunas but are not classified within the main tuna genera (Thunnus and Katsuwonus). This group typically includes species such as bonitos (Sarda spp.), little tunny (Euthynnus spp.), frigate tunas (Auxis spp.), and other related scombrids. These fishes are prized for their firm flesh and are caught both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, for export. The leading fishing countries for these species are often those with extensive coastal access to tropical and subtropical waters, including Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and several West African nations such as Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. These countries rely on a mix of artisanal and industrial fishing fleets, and the catch of tuna-like fishes contributes significantly to local economies, food security, and employment. The global catch of these species is monitored by organizations like the FAO, but they often receive less attention than the more commercially valuable true tunas, despite their importance in regional diets and fisheries.

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