The Squaretail Coralgrouper (*Plectropomus areolatus*) is a vibrant reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific, recognized for its distinctive square-shaped tail and spotted body. This species is highly valued in the live reef food fish trade, particularly in Asian markets, due to its delicate flesh and high market price. The top fishing countries for Squaretail Coralgrouper include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea, where artisanal and commercial fisheries target these groupers using handlines, spearfishing, and traps. Overfishing, driven by strong demand from Hong Kong and mainland China, has led to significant population declines in many areas, prompting concerns about sustainability and the implementation of stricter management measures in several countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 171 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.