The olive grouper (Epinephelus cifuentesi), also known as the Pacific grouper, is a large, predatory reef fish recognized for its robust body and olive-brown coloration with scattered darker spots. This species inhabits rocky reefs and continental shelves in the eastern Pacific, ranging from southern Baja California and the Gulf of California down to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. The olive grouper is highly valued in commercial and artisanal fisheries for its firm, white flesh and is commonly caught using handlines, traps, and spearfishing. The top olive grouper fishing countries include Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, all of which have established fisheries targeting this species, particularly around the Gulf of California and the waters off the Galápagos. These countries export olive grouper both regionally and internationally, contributing significantly to local economies, though overfishing and habitat degradation have led to concerns about population declines and the need for improved management practices.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 13 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.