The top sickle pomfret fishing countries are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, with Taiwan, Japan, China, and India leading in harvests. The sickle pomfret (Taractichthys steindachneri), also known as "monchong" in Hawaii, is a deep-bodied, metallic fish recognized for its long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins. It inhabits deep offshore waters, often at depths of 100–600 meters, and is prized for its firm, oily flesh, making it popular in Asian and Pacific cuisines. The fishing industry for sickle pomfret is characterized by deep-sea longline and trawl operations, with Taiwan and Japan historically dominating commercial catches, while India and China have increased their landings in recent decades. This species is typically landed as bycatch in tuna and swordfish fisheries, and its economic importance has grown due to rising demand in both domestic and export markets.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | French Polynesia | 24 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.