Top Sobaity Seabream Fishing Countries

The Sobaity Seabream (Sparidentex hasta), also known as sobaity or sobaiti, is a prized marine fish native to the western Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. Recognized for its silver body and excellent taste, it is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is highly valued both in commercial fisheries and aquaculture. The top countries harvesting Sobaity Seabream are Kuwait, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where it is caught in coastal waters using traditional nets and increasingly produced in aquaculture farms to meet rising demand. Kuwait, in particular, has a long history of targeting sobaity, and the species plays a significant role in the region’s fishing industry, contributing to food security and local economies. Sustainable management and aquaculture development are crucial in these countries to ensure the continued availability of this important fish species.

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