Squirrelfish, belonging to the family Holocentridae, are brightly colored, nocturnal reef fish found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters, especially around coral reefs. Known for their large eyes and reddish hues, they are most abundant in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean regions. While not a major commercial species globally, squirrelfish are harvested for local consumption and the aquarium trade. The top squirrelfish fishing countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries target them alongside other reef fishes. In the Caribbean, countries such as the Bahamas and Jamaica also catch squirrelfish, mainly for local markets. Their commercial importance is modest compared to other reef species, but they play a vital role in subsistence and small-scale fisheries in their native regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sao Tome and Principe | 62 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.