Top Bahrain Fish Catches

Bahrain’s fishing industry has long been a vital part of its culture and economy, with a history stretching back thousands of years due to its location in the resource-rich waters of the Arabian Gulf. Traditionally, Bahraini fishermen relied on small wooden dhows and simple gear, targeting a variety of species. Today, the top fish catches in Bahrain include species such as hamour (orange-spotted grouper), safi (rabbitfish), chanad (kingfish), and shrimp, which remain highly valued both locally and for export. Over the years, the industry has faced challenges from overfishing, environmental changes, and competition from modern fishing fleets, prompting government efforts to regulate catches and promote sustainable practices. Despite these pressures, fishing continues to play an important role in Bahraini society, both as a source of livelihood and as a cherished cultural tradition.

RankFish SpeciesMetric Tons
1Jellyfishes nei7,410
2Blue swimming crab3,839
3Green tiger prawn2,324
4Spinefeet(=Rabbitfishes) nei1,906
5Spangled emperor853
6Marine fishes nei366
7Yellowbar angelfish303
8Indian driftfish289
9Bloch's gizzard shad235
10Emperors(=Scavengers) nei200
11Haffara seabream197
12Groupers nei168
13Twobar seabream161
14Pharaoh cuttlefish154
15Threadfin and dwarf breams nei114
16Halfbeaks nei105
17Talang queenfish99
18Hound needlefish89
20Santer seabream79
20Sardinellas nei79
20Giant catfish79
22Golden trevally72
23Greater amberjack67
24Sordid rubberlip63
25Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel60
26Mojarras(=Silver-biddies) nei56
27Pink ear emperor53
28Goldsilk seabream44
29Blackbanded trevally34
30Smalltooth emperor31
31Snappers, jobfishes nei26
32Batfishes25
32Carangids nei25
34Smallscaled grouper20
34Shrimp scad20
36Jack and horse mackerels nei16
37Pickhandle barracuda15
37Requiem sharks nei15
40Obtuse barracuda13
40Milkfish13
40Porgies, seabreams nei13
42Stingrays, butterfly rays nei12
43Sillago-whitings11
43Goatfishes, red mullets nei11
46Parrotfishes nei9
46Striped piggy9
46Flat needlefish9
46Mullets nei9
49Cobia6
50Sawtooth barracuda5

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