Top Bluespine Unicornfish Fishing Countries

The Bluespine Unicornfish (Naso unicornis), easily recognized by its elongated body, prominent horn-like projection on its forehead, and vivid blue spines near the tail, is a reef-associated species found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This herbivorous fish is valued both as a food source and in local fisheries, particularly in tropical and subtropical coastal waters. The top countries harvesting Bluespine Unicornfish include the Philippines, Indonesia, and Fiji, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target this species using nets and traditional fishing methods. In these countries, the unicornfish is commonly sold in local markets and sometimes exported regionally. Sustainable management is crucial, as overfishing and habitat degradation threaten local populations, prompting some regions to implement catch limits and marine protected areas to ensure the long-term viability of the species and the communities that depend on them.

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