The chocolate hind (Cephalopholis boenak), also known as the brownbar grouper, is a medium-sized reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in coral-rich coastal waters. Recognizable by its brownish coloration and pale spots, the chocolate hind is a valued species in both commercial and artisanal fisheries, primarily for the live reef food fish trade. The top countries harvesting chocolate hind include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, where the species is caught using handlines, traps, and occasionally small-scale netting. These nations supply both local markets and export demands, especially to Hong Kong and mainland China, where live groupers command premium prices. Sustainable management is increasingly important, as overfishing and habitat degradation threaten local populations of this and other reef-associated groupers.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 5,777 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.