Top Spotted Grouper Fishing Countries

The spotted grouper, commonly referring to several species within the Epinephelus genus—such as the Epinephelus coioides (orange-spotted grouper)—is a prized marine fish found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known for its distinctive spotted pattern and robust body, the spotted grouper is highly valued in both commercial and recreational fisheries due to its firm, flavorful flesh and popularity in Asian cuisine. The top countries harvesting spotted grouper include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China, where both wild capture and aquaculture play significant roles in the supply chain. Indonesia and Malaysia, in particular, are leading exporters, supplying live groupers to markets in Hong Kong and mainland China, where demand remains high. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to concerns about sustainability, prompting some nations to implement stricter regulations and invest in grouper aquaculture to meet market demands while conserving wild populations.

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