The Pacific mutton hamlet (*Alphestes immaculatus*) is a relatively small, colorful grouper species found primarily along the tropical and subtropical Pacific coasts of the Americas, from southern California to northern Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. Recognized for its mottled reddish-brown coloration, this reef-associated fish is valued both as a food fish and in local artisanal fisheries. The main countries harvesting the Pacific mutton hamlet are Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, where it is typically caught using handlines, traps, and small-scale nets. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the species contributes to the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly in Mexico’s Pacific states and Ecuador’s mainland and island fisheries. Sustainable management is important, as overfishing and habitat degradation could threaten local populations, but currently, the Pacific mutton hamlet is not considered overexploited on a global scale.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.