Hawkfishes, belonging to the family Cirrhitidae, are small to medium-sized, brightly colored reef fishes commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly around coral reefs. While not a primary commercial target on a global scale, hawkfishes are occasionally harvested for local consumption and the marine aquarium trade. The category "Top Hawkfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries" refers to nations that are notable for their hawkfish catches but are not listed among the main producers in global statistics. These typically include island nations and territories in the Indo-Pacific region, such as Fiji, the Maldives, and French Polynesia, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries may incidentally catch hawkfishes. In these countries, hawkfishes are valued for their vibrant appearance and are sometimes exported for aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. However, overall catch volumes remain modest compared to major commercial species, and the fishing industry for hawkfishes is generally characterized by low-impact, small-scale operations rather than large industrial fleets.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.