Top Grunts, Sweetlips Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Grunts and sweetlips, grouped under the family Haemulidae and the subfamily Plectorhinchinae respectively, are reef-associated fish found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These species, known for their distinctive "grunting" noises produced by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, are important targets for artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries due to their palatable flesh. The top fishing countries for grunts and sweetlips (not elsewhere included) include Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and Thailand, where these fish are commonly caught using handlines, traps, and gillnets. In these regions, grunts and sweetlips are sold fresh in local markets and sometimes exported, contributing to coastal livelihoods and food security. While not as heavily targeted as some other reef fish, overfishing and habitat degradation pose threats to their populations, prompting some countries to implement management measures to sustain their fisheries.

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