Top Chinese Silver Pomfret Fishing Countries

The Chinese silver pomfret (Pampus chinensis) is a highly valued marine fish known for its delicate, silvery body and mild, flavorful flesh, making it a popular choice in Asian cuisine. This species inhabits coastal and estuarine waters of the Indo-West Pacific, particularly around China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, and the Persian Gulf. China stands as the leading country in both wild capture and aquaculture production of silver pomfret, with significant catches also reported from India, Bangladesh, and several Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia and Vietnam. The fishing industry for Chinese silver pomfret is driven by strong market demand, especially in China, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, where the fish is considered a delicacy. While traditional fishing methods are still prevalent, some countries, notably China and India, have developed aquaculture techniques to supplement wild stocks and meet growing demand, though overfishing and habitat degradation remain concerns for sustainable management of this prized species.

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