The Indo-Pacific gurnards, belonging to the family Triglidae, are bottom-dwelling fish known for their armored, bony heads and vibrant pectoral fins, often inhabiting sandy or muddy coastal waters across the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. These fish are valued for their firm, white flesh and are commonly caught as both target and bycatch species. The top fishing countries harvesting Indo-Pacific gurnards include China, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Vietnam, where they are landed by artisanal and commercial trawl fisheries. In these nations, gurnards contribute to local seafood markets and export industries, though they are generally considered of moderate economic importance compared to more prominent demersal species. Sustainable management of trawl fisheries in these regions is crucial to maintaining healthy gurnard populations and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.