The Sky Emperor, commonly known as the red emperor snapper (Lutjanus sebae), is a prized reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in tropical and subtropical waters. Renowned for its vibrant red coloration and firm, flavorful flesh, the Sky Emperor is a highly sought-after species in both commercial and recreational fisheries. The top countries harvesting the Sky Emperor include Australia, Indonesia, and India, where it is caught primarily using handlines, traps, and bottom trawls. In Australia, especially in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the red emperor supports a valuable commercial fishery and is also a favorite among sport fishers. Indonesia and India harvest this species both for domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to local economies. Sustainable management practices are increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of Sky Emperor populations, given their slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 319 |
| 2 | Egypt | 317 |
| 3 | Djibouti | 116 |
| 4 | Comoros | 10 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.