Top Cuba Fish Catches

Cuba’s fishing industry has long played a vital role in its economy and culture, with both commercial and recreational fishing thriving due to the island’s rich marine biodiversity. The top fish catches in Cuba include species such as snapper (especially the mutton and yellowtail snapper), grouper, tarpon, bonefish, and marlin, which are highly prized by both local fishers and international sport anglers. Historically, Cuba’s fishing industry expanded significantly in the mid-20th century, with state-run fleets focusing on both domestic consumption and export, particularly lobster and shrimp. In recent decades, overfishing and economic challenges have led to stricter regulations and a greater emphasis on sustainable practices and catch-and-release sport fishing, especially in renowned areas like the Jardines de la Reina. Today, Cuba remains a top destination for anglers seeking trophy fish in its pristine Caribbean waters.

Rank	Fish Species	Metric Tons
1	Caribbean spiny lobster	4,225
2	Marine fishes nei	2,955
3	Blue tilapia	997
4	Mojarras, etc. nei	856
5	Lane snapper	736
6	Atlantic thread herring	708
7	Rays, stingrays, mantas nei	654
8	Grunts, sweetlips nei	468
9	Scaled sardines	467
10	Blackfin tuna	446
11	Northern pink shrimp	333
12	Stromboid conchs nei	322
13	Southern red snapper	314
14	Sharks, rays, skates, etc. nei	278
15	Blue crab	142
16	Porgies	112
17	Marine crabs nei	104
18	Yellowtail snapper	97
19	Mullets nei	72
20	Seerfishes nei	66
21	Snappers, jobfishes nei	38
21	Black stone crab	38
23	Skipjack tuna	25
24	Nassau grouper	24
25	Jacks, crevalles nei	13
26	Porgies, seabreams nei	12
27	Common dolphinfish	8
27	Atlantic sailfish	8
29	Groupers nei	7
30	Clams, etc. nei	6
31	Little tunny(=Atl.black skipj)	5

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