The starry butterfish (Stromateus stellatus), also known as the starry pomfret, is a deep-bodied, silvery fish found in the temperate and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This species is valued for its mild flavor and oily flesh, making it popular in both local and international seafood markets. The leading countries engaged in the commercial harvest of starry butterfish include China, India, Indonesia, and several South American nations such as Argentina and Brazil. These countries operate both artisanal and industrial fisheries, often using trawling and gillnetting methods to target starry butterfish along continental shelves. The fish is typically landed as bycatch in mixed-species fisheries, but its growing demand has led to more targeted efforts in recent years, contributing significantly to the economies of major fishing nations and supporting local livelihoods.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.