The Blue Tang Surgeonfish (Paracanthurus hepatus), known for its vibrant blue and yellow coloration and popularity in the aquarium trade, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. This species inhabits coral reefs and is not commonly targeted by commercial food fisheries due to its low flesh yield and potential for ciguatera poisoning, but it is highly sought after for ornamental purposes. The top countries involved in harvesting Blue Tang Surgeonfish are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, where local fishers collect these fish primarily for export to the global aquarium market. These nations have well-established ornamental fish industries, supplying live Blue Tangs to North America, Europe, and East Asia. Sustainable harvesting practices and aquaculture efforts are increasingly important in these regions to protect wild populations and coral reef ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.