Cardinalfishes, grouped under the family Apogonidae, are small, often brightly colored marine fish found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters, especially around coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, these fishes are harvested in some countries for local consumption and, more notably, for the ornamental aquarium trade due to their vivid appearance. The leading countries involved in the capture and export of cardinalfishes and similar species not elsewhere included (NEI) in global fishery statistics are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. These nations have rich coral reef ecosystems that support diverse populations of cardinalfishes, and their fishing industries often rely on artisanal and small-scale methods. The trade is typically regulated to prevent overexploitation, but habitat degradation and unsustainable collection methods can pose threats to local populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yemen | 265 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.