Top Rusty Jobfish Fishing Countries

The rusty jobfish (Aphareus rutilans), also known as the ironjaw snapper, is a deepwater reef fish found throughout the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific region. Characterized by its elongated body and reddish-bronze coloration, this species inhabits depths of 40 to 400 meters and is prized for its firm, white flesh. The rusty jobfish is an important target for commercial and artisanal fisheries, particularly in countries such as Japan, Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and various Pacific Island nations. These countries harvest the species using handlines, bottom longlines, and traps, with the catch supporting both local consumption and export markets. Sustainable management is crucial, as the species’ slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing make it susceptible to population declines if not carefully regulated.

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