Top Rooster Hind Fishing Countries

The Rooster Hind (Cephalopholis polleni), also known as the Polleni Grouper, is a vibrant, medium-sized reef fish found primarily in the Indian Ocean, particularly around islands and deep reef slopes. Characterized by its striking coloration and elongated body, the Rooster Hind is prized in both commercial and artisanal fisheries, though it is less commonly targeted than other groupers due to its relatively limited distribution. The top countries harvesting this species include Madagascar, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius, where it is caught mainly for local consumption and the live reef fish trade. The fishing industry for Rooster Hind in these regions is typically small-scale, relying on handlines and traps, with some fish entering export markets, particularly to supply high-end restaurants and aquarium enthusiasts. Sustainable management is crucial, as groupers, including the Rooster Hind, are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and late maturity.

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