Top Pharaoh Cuttlefish Fishing Countries

The Pharaoh cuttlefish (*Sepia pharaonis*) is a large, commercially valuable cephalopod found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its distinctive broad body, rapid color-changing ability, and high-quality cuttlebone. This species is a significant target for fisheries due to its culinary demand, particularly in Asian markets. The top countries harvesting Pharaoh cuttlefish include India, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where both artisanal and industrial fishing methods are employed. In these nations, the cuttlefish is caught using trawls, traps, and jigging, contributing substantially to local economies and export revenues. Sustainable management is increasingly important, as growing demand and intensive fishing pressure have raised concerns about overexploitation and the need for effective conservation measures.

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