The Brown Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus), also known as the Spot-Cheeked Surgeonfish, is a reef-dwelling species found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Recognized for its oval, laterally compressed body and distinctive scalpel-like spine on the tail, this herbivorous fish plays a crucial role in maintaining coral reef health by grazing on algae. The Brown Surgeonfish is not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries but is commonly harvested in artisanal and subsistence fisheries, particularly in countries with extensive coral reefs. The top countries involved in the harvest of Brown Surgeonfish include Indonesia, the Philippines, and various Pacific Island nations such as Fiji and Samoa. These countries rely on reef fish like the Brown Surgeonfish both for local consumption and for the aquarium trade, with fishing typically conducted using handlines, nets, and traps. While not as economically significant as tuna or snapper fisheries, the Brown Surgeonfish remains important for food security and livelihoods in coastal communities across the Indo-Pacific.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.