Top Marbled Spinefoot Fishing Countries

The Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) is a herbivorous reef fish native to the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, recognized by its marbled pattern and venomous dorsal spines. This species has become increasingly important in the fisheries of the Eastern Mediterranean following its migration through the Suez Canal, a phenomenon known as Lessepsian migration. Today, the top countries harvesting Marbled Spinefoot include Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece, where it is caught both for local consumption and commercial markets. In these countries, the fishing industry targets Marbled Spinefoot using nets and traps, capitalizing on its abundance and adaptability to coastal habitats. Its growing presence in Mediterranean fisheries has both economic and ecological implications, as it competes with native species and provides a new resource for coastal communities.

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