Top Red Lionfish Fishing Countries

The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a striking, venomous marine fish native to the Indo-Pacific, easily recognized by its bold stripes and long, spiny fins. In recent decades, it has become a highly invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, where it threatens local ecosystems by preying on native fish and competing for resources. As a result, targeted lionfish fishing has developed as both a conservation measure and a commercial opportunity. The top countries involved in red lionfish harvesting include the United States (particularly Florida), the Bahamas, and several Caribbean nations such as Belize, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. These countries have encouraged lionfish fishing through organized derbies, commercial harvesting, and the promotion of lionfish as a sustainable seafood option, helping to control their populations while supporting local fishing industries.

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