The speckled hind (Epinephelus drummondhayi) is a large, deep-water grouper species recognized by its reddish-brown body adorned with numerous white spots. Native to the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly the southeastern United States, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean, the speckled hind is a prized catch for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to its firm, white flesh and rarity. The United States, especially off the coasts of Florida and the Gulf states, has historically been the primary country harvesting speckled hind, though strict regulations and conservation measures have been implemented due to the species’ vulnerability to overfishing and slow reproductive rate. Other countries in the Caribbean and occasionally Mexico also report incidental catches, but the U.S. remains the main center for both the fishing industry and conservation efforts for this species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 15 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.