Top Smalltooth Emperor Fishing Countries

The Smalltooth Emperor (Lethrinus microdon) is a demersal fish species found primarily in the Indo-West Pacific region, recognized for its elongated body, sharp teeth, and preference for coral reef and sandy-bottom habitats. Valued for its firm, white flesh, the Smalltooth Emperor is an important target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries harvesting this species include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia, where it is caught using handlines, traps, and gillnets. In these countries, the Smalltooth Emperor contributes significantly to local economies and food security, with much of the catch consumed domestically and a portion exported to regional seafood markets. Sustainable management is increasingly important, as overfishing and habitat degradation threaten stocks in some areas.

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