Top Red Sea Goatfish Fishing Countries

The Red Sea goatfish (Parupeneus forsskali), known for its distinctive yellow stripe and barbels used to search for food in sandy substrates, is a commercially important species found throughout the Red Sea and adjacent waters. This demersal fish is highly valued for its mild flavor and is commonly caught using trawl nets, handlines, and traps. The top countries involved in harvesting Red Sea goatfish are Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Sudan, all of which border the Red Sea and have long-standing artisanal and commercial fishing industries. In these countries, goatfish are sold fresh in local markets and occasionally exported to neighboring regions. The species plays a significant role in the livelihoods of coastal communities and is an important component of the region’s seafood cuisine. Sustainable management is increasingly emphasized as demand and fishing pressure grow in these productive waters.

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