The Sohal Surgeonfish (Acanthurus sohal) is a strikingly beautiful reef fish recognized by its bold blue and white stripes and sharp scalpel-like spines near its tail. Native to the Red Sea and the western Indian Ocean, this species is highly prized in the marine aquarium trade rather than for food consumption. The primary countries involved in the collection and export of Sohal Surgeonfish are Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Sudan, all bordering the Red Sea. These nations have developed small-scale fisheries and collection operations that supply the global ornamental fish industry, particularly targeting markets in Europe, North America, and Asia. While the fishing of Sohal Surgeonfish is not industrialized on a large scale, overharvesting and habitat degradation have raised concerns about the sustainability of wild populations, prompting some countries to introduce regulations or marine protected areas to safeguard their reefs and iconic species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.