Top Dungat Grouper Fishing Countries

The Dungat grouper (Epinephelus coioides), also known as the orange-spotted grouper, is a highly valued demersal fish species found in warm coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Recognized for its distinctive orange spots and robust body, the Dungat grouper is prized both in commercial fisheries and aquaculture due to its firm flesh and high market value. The top countries harvesting this species include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, where it is caught using handlines, traps, and increasingly through aquaculture operations. These nations have developed significant export markets, particularly to China and Hong Kong, where live groupers fetch premium prices. The fishing industry for Dungat grouper is vital for local economies but faces challenges from overfishing and habitat degradation, prompting efforts to improve management and expand sustainable aquaculture practices.

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