The Orbicular Batfish (Platax orbicularis) is a distinctive, disc-shaped marine fish found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, including shallow coastal waters, lagoons, and estuaries. Recognized for its silvery body and rounded fins, the species is popular in both the aquarium trade and as a food fish in some regions. The main countries harvesting Orbicular Batfish are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, where it is caught both in the wild and increasingly farmed through aquaculture due to its adaptability and market demand. These nations have developed small-scale fisheries and commercial aquaculture operations targeting the species, with Indonesia and the Philippines leading in exports, particularly for the ornamental fish trade. While not a staple in large-scale commercial fisheries, the Orbicular Batfish contributes to local economies and the livelihoods of coastal communities in Southeast Asia.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar | 11 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.