The blackear wrasse (Halichoeres poeyi) is a small, colorful reef fish found primarily in the western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Recognized by its vibrant green and blue hues and the distinctive black spot near its gill cover, this species is more commonly targeted by artisanal and subsistence fishers rather than large-scale commercial operations. The top countries involved in blackear wrasse fishing include Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean nations, where the species is caught for local consumption and sometimes for the aquarium trade. While not a major commercial fishery, blackear wrasse contributes to the diverse catch of reef fish that supports coastal communities, especially in regions where small-scale fishing is an important economic and cultural activity.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.