Top Jewelfish Fishing Countries

The Jewelfish, commonly referring to species within the genus *Hemichromis* (notably the African Jewelfish, *Hemichromis bimaculatus*), is a brightly colored cichlid native to West Africa’s freshwater rivers and lakes. However, in the context of commercial fishing, the term "Jewelfish" sometimes also refers to the marine species *Pagrus auratus*, known as the Snapper or Australasian Jewelfish, prized for its firm, flavorful flesh. Major countries involved in the harvesting of marine Jewelfish include Australia and New Zealand, where it is a cornerstone of both commercial and recreational fisheries, supporting significant export and local consumption markets. In West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, freshwater Jewelfish are more commonly caught for local consumption and the ornamental fish trade, rather than large-scale commercial fishing. Overall, the top Jewelfish fishing countries are those bordering the species’ native habitats, with Australia and New Zealand leading in marine harvests, and West African nations focusing on smaller-scale, freshwater catches.

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