The Sabre Squirrelfish (Sargocentron spiniferum) is a brightly colored, nocturnal reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific, easily recognized by its large eyes and spiny dorsal fin. While not a major commercial species globally, it is locally important in artisanal and small-scale fisheries, especially in tropical regions. The top countries known for harvesting Sabre Squirrelfish include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, where the fish is caught primarily for local consumption and sold in fresh markets. In these countries, the fishing industry targeting Sabre Squirrelfish is typically small-scale, using handlines, traps, and nets around coral reefs. Although not a primary export species, the Sabre Squirrelfish contributes to the livelihoods of coastal communities and the diversity of reef fish catches in these biodiverse regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.