Top Peruvian Moonfish Fishing Countries

The Peruvian moonfish, also known as opah (Lampris guttatus), is a large, disc-shaped pelagic fish found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, prized for its vibrant coloration and rich, flavorful flesh. This species is primarily harvested as bycatch in longline and drift gillnet fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish. Peru is a significant source country due to its productive Pacific waters, but the top fishing nations for moonfish also include the United States (notably Hawaii and California), Taiwan, and Japan, all of which have developed targeted or incidental fisheries for opah. The global opah fishery is relatively small compared to other commercial species, but the fish has gained popularity in international seafood markets for its unique taste and culinary versatility, supporting a niche but valuable fishing industry in these leading countries.

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