Top Queen Snapper Fishing Countries

The queen snapper (Etelis oculatus) is a striking deepwater fish recognized by its vibrant red coloration, elongated body, and large eyes, typically inhabiting depths of 100–400 meters in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. This species is highly prized for its delicate, white flesh and is targeted primarily by commercial and artisanal fisheries using deep-drop handlines and electric reels. The top queen snapper fishing countries are the United States (notably Florida and Puerto Rico), the Bahamas, and several Caribbean nations such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. In these regions, queen snapper contributes significantly to local economies and seafood markets, with the U.S. and the Bahamas leading in both landings and export. Sustainable management is increasingly important, as queen snapper populations are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and deepwater habitat.

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