The Orange Striped Emperor (Lethrinus obsoletus), also known as the orange-striped large-eye bream, is a reef-associated fish found predominantly in the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its distinctive orange stripes along its silvery body. This species is an important target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries due to its firm, white flesh and popularity in local markets. The top countries harvesting the Orange Striped Emperor include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia, where it is caught primarily through handlines, traps, and gillnets. In these nations, the emperor fishery supports coastal livelihoods and contributes to domestic seafood supplies, with Indonesia and the Philippines leading in overall catch due to their extensive coral reef habitats and strong tradition of reef fishing. Sustainable management is crucial, as overfishing and habitat degradation can threaten local stocks of this valuable reef fish.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 21 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.