Top Wolf Herrings Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Wolf herrings, primarily belonging to the family Chirocentridae, are predatory, elongated fish found in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The most notable species are Chirocentrus dorab (Dorab wolf herring) and Chirocentrus nudus. These fish are prized for their firm, flavorful flesh and are commonly caught using gillnets and other small-scale fishing methods. The top countries harvesting wolf herrings—often grouped as "not elsewhere included" (nei) in FAO fishery statistics—include India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand. In these countries, wolf herrings are important both for local consumption and regional markets, supporting coastal fishing communities. The industry is largely artisanal, with catches sold fresh, dried, or salted, and the species plays a notable role in the diets and economies of South and Southeast Asian nations.

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