Cardinal fish, belonging to the family Apogonidae, are small, brightly colored marine species found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters, especially around coral reefs. While not a major target for large-scale commercial fisheries due to their modest size and relatively low market value, cardinal fish are harvested in some regions for the aquarium trade and, to a lesser extent, for local consumption. The top countries involved in the fishing and export of cardinal fish include Indonesia and the Philippines, both of which boast extensive coral reef systems and vibrant ornamental fish industries. These countries supply a significant portion of the global demand for live cardinal fish, particularly the popular Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), which is endemic to Indonesia. Sustainable management and conservation efforts are increasingly important in these regions to prevent overexploitation and protect reef ecosystems, as some cardinal fish populations have experienced declines due to overharvesting for the aquarium trade.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.