The Freckled Goatfish (*Upeneus tragula*) is a small, bottom-dwelling marine fish recognized by its elongated body, distinctive reddish spots, and a pair of chin barbels used to search for food in sandy or muddy substrates. This species inhabits the Indo-Pacific region, particularly thriving in shallow coastal waters. The top countries involved in the commercial and artisanal harvesting of Freckled Goatfish include India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In these nations, goatfish are valued both for local consumption and as part of mixed-species catches in small-scale fisheries. The fish are typically caught using trawl nets, gillnets, or handlines, and are sold fresh in local markets or dried and salted. While not the primary target species, Freckled Goatfish play an important role in supporting the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities throughout Southeast and South Asia.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.