Top Doctorfish Fishing Countries

The Doctorfish (Acanthurus chirurgus) is a tropical marine species belonging to the surgeonfish family, recognized by its oval body, bluish-gray coloration, and distinctive scalpel-like spines near the tail. Found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Doctorfish inhabit coral reefs and rocky coastal areas. While not a major commercial target globally, Doctorfish are harvested in several Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico, where they are valued as a local food fish and occasionally appear in small-scale artisanal fisheries. In these regions, Doctorfish contribute to the livelihoods of coastal communities, although their catch is generally overshadowed by more commercially significant reef species. Sustainable management is important, as overfishing and habitat degradation can impact their populations and the health of reef ecosystems.

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