Top Cobia Fishing Countries

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is a fast-growing, migratory marine fish prized for its firm, mild-flavored flesh and strong fighting ability, making it popular among both commercial and recreational fishers. Native to warm-temperate and tropical waters worldwide, cobia is especially abundant in the western Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and parts of the Pacific. Major cobia fishing and aquaculture countries include China, which leads global production primarily through advanced aquaculture systems, and Vietnam, which also cultivates cobia extensively for export. In the wild-capture sector, the United States, particularly the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic coasts, supports a significant recreational and commercial fishery. Other countries with notable cobia harvests include Taiwan, India, and several Southeast Asian nations, where both wild-caught and farmed cobia contribute to local economies and seafood markets.

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