Soft corals, unlike their hard coral counterparts, are flexible, non-reef-building marine invertebrates found predominantly in tropical and subtropical oceans. While not a "fish" species, soft corals are highly valued in the aquarium trade and for ornamental purposes, and in some regions, they are harvested for traditional medicine and jewelry. The leading countries involved in the collection and export of soft corals are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Fiji, where vibrant coral reefs support a diverse range of soft coral species such as Dendronephthya and Sarcophyton. These countries have established industries centered around the sustainable harvesting and aquaculture of soft corals, with strict regulations and export quotas to protect reef ecosystems. The soft coral trade is closely monitored by international agreements like CITES to prevent overexploitation and ensure the long-term health of coral reef habitats.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.