Top Pink Ear Emperor Fishing Countries

The Pink Ear Emperor (Lethrinus lentjan) is a demersal fish species found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its distinctive pinkish operculum ("ear") and valued both as a food fish and in artisanal fisheries. This species inhabits coral reefs and sandy bottoms and is a staple in local diets across its range. The leading countries engaged in harvesting Pink Ear Emperor include Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and Australia, where it is caught by small-scale fishers using handlines, traps, and nets. These nations have well-established fisheries for emperors (family Lethrinidae), with the Pink Ear Emperor contributing significantly to local markets and subsistence fishing. While not typically targeted by large-scale industrial fleets, sustainable management is important in these regions to prevent overexploitation and ensure the continued availability of this valuable reef-associated species.

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