Monocle breams, belonging to the genus *Scolopsis*, are medium-sized, reef-associated fish found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. Recognized for their oval bodies and distinctive eye markings, these breams are important both ecologically and economically. The top monocle bream fishing countries include Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where they are commonly caught by small-scale and artisanal fisheries using handlines, traps, and gillnets. These countries harvest monocle breams for local consumption, with the fish often sold fresh in markets or occasionally exported. The fishing industry for monocle breams in these regions is vital for coastal communities, providing both food security and livelihoods, though it is generally less industrialized compared to fisheries targeting larger pelagic species.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Thailand | 7,099 |
2 | Malaysia | 1,691 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.