The Whitespotted Conger (Conger myriaster) is a species of conger eel found primarily in the coastal waters of the Northwest Pacific, particularly around Japan, Korea, and China. Recognized by its elongated body and distinctive white spots, this eel is highly valued for its delicate flavor and is a staple in East Asian cuisine, especially in Japan where it is known as "anago." The top countries engaged in harvesting the Whitespotted Conger are Japan, South Korea, and China, with Japan leading both in wild catch and aquaculture production. The fishing industry for this species is well-developed in these countries, utilizing coastal longlines, traps, and increasingly, aquaculture systems to meet high domestic demand and export markets. Sustainable management practices are becoming more important due to concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation in some regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Republic of Korea | 12,733 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.