Top Camouflage Grouper Fishing Countries

The Camouflage Grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion), known for its distinctive mottled coloration that helps it blend into coral reefs, is a prized species in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This grouper is highly valued in commercial and artisanal fisheries, particularly for the live reef fish trade, which supplies luxury seafood markets in East Asia. The top countries harvesting Camouflage Grouper include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Australia, where the species is caught using handlines, traps, and spearfishing. These nations have established significant export industries, primarily targeting Hong Kong and mainland China. However, heavy fishing pressure and habitat degradation have raised concerns about overexploitation, prompting some countries to implement management measures such as size limits, closed seasons, and marine protected areas to ensure the sustainability of Camouflage Grouper populations.

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