Top Opah Fishing Countries

The opah (Lampris guttatus), also known as moonfish, is a large, colorful pelagic fish found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. Recognized for its distinctive round, flat body and vibrant hues of red, orange, and silvery blue, the opah is prized for its rich, flavorful flesh. Commercial opah fishing is relatively limited compared to other pelagic species, but it is primarily harvested as bycatch in longline and drift gillnet fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish. The top opah fishing countries include the United States—particularly Hawaii and the West Coast—where it is a valued catch in both commercial and recreational fisheries. Other countries with notable opah landings include Taiwan, Japan, and Spain, often as incidental catch in their high-seas fisheries. While global catch volumes are modest, opah has gained popularity in seafood markets and restaurants, especially in the U.S. and Asia, contributing to its growing economic importance.

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