Top Duskytail Grouper Fishing Countries

The duskytail grouper (Epinephelus bleekeri), a robust member of the Serranidae family, is recognized for its dusky-colored tail and preference for rocky reefs and coastal waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species is highly valued in both commercial and artisanal fisheries due to its firm, flavorful flesh and high market demand, especially in East and Southeast Asia. The top duskytail grouper fishing countries include China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, where the fish is caught using handlines, traps, and sometimes small-scale longlines. These nations have established significant grouper fisheries, supplying both local markets and the lucrative live reef fish trade, particularly to Hong Kong and mainland China. However, intense fishing pressure and habitat degradation have raised concerns about the sustainability of duskytail grouper populations, prompting some countries to implement management measures such as size limits, seasonal closures, and marine protected areas to safeguard the species for future generations.

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