Top Sompat Grunt Fishing Countries

The Sompat grunt (Pomadasys hasta), also known as the "silver grunt" or "haifa croaker," is a coastal marine fish found primarily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. Recognized for its silvery body and distinctive grunt-like sounds, this species inhabits shallow, sandy, or muddy bottoms near estuaries and mangroves. The Sompat grunt is an important target for artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries due to its popularity as a food fish. The top countries harvesting Sompat grunt include India, Iran, Pakistan, and countries along the Arabian Peninsula such as Oman and the United Arab Emirates. In these regions, the fishing industry utilizes traditional gear like gillnets and handlines, with catches often sold fresh in local markets or dried and salted for preservation. The species supports coastal livelihoods and plays a significant role in regional food security, though overfishing and habitat degradation pose challenges to its sustainability.

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