The Lemonfish, also known as cobia (Rachycentron canadum), is a large, fast-growing marine fish prized for its firm, mild-flavored flesh and strong fighting ability, making it popular among both commercial and recreational fishers. Cobia are found in warm-temperate to tropical waters worldwide, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific. The top lemonfish fishing countries include the United States (especially the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic coast), China, India, and several Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam and Indonesia. In the U.S., cobia is targeted by both commercial and recreational fisheries, while in Asia, cobia is increasingly farmed in aquaculture operations due to its rapid growth and high market value. The global cobia industry has expanded in recent decades, with China and Vietnam leading in aquaculture production, while wild harvests remain important in the U.S. and India.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.