The goldblotch grouper (Epinephelus costae) is a demersal fish species found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, recognized by its robust body and distinctive golden blotches along its flanks. This species inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms at depths ranging from 15 to 200 meters. The goldblotch grouper is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and is targeted by both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The leading countries involved in goldblotch grouper fishing include Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where the species is caught using trawls, longlines, and handlines. In these Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal nations, the fishing industry for goldblotch grouper is significant, contributing to local economies and traditional cuisine, though concerns about overfishing have led to increased management efforts in recent years to ensure sustainable populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.