Top Spangled Emperor Fishing Countries

The Top Spangled Emperor (Lethrinus lentjan), also known as the blue-lined emperor, is a reef-associated fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, notable for its bluish horizontal stripes and robust body. This species is highly valued both commercially and recreationally for its firm, white flesh. The primary countries engaged in harvesting the Top Spangled Emperor include Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and countries around the Persian Gulf such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman. In these regions, the emperor is caught using handlines, traps, and gillnets, often as part of mixed reef fish fisheries. The fish is sold fresh in local markets and, in some cases, exported to meet demand in Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Sustainable management is crucial, as overfishing and habitat degradation can impact local populations, making responsible fishing practices a priority for countries that depend on this species.

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