Top Starry Grouper Fishing Countries

The starry grouper (Epinephelus labriformis), also known as the flag cabrilla or star-studded grouper, is a medium-sized, reef-associated fish recognized by its brownish body covered with small, white to bluish spots. This species inhabits rocky and coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific, ranging from southern California to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. The top countries harvesting starry grouper are Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target this species for both local consumption and export. In these regions, starry grouper is valued for its firm, white flesh and is often caught using handlines, traps, and gillnets. The fishing industry in these countries is vital for coastal communities, but concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation have led to increasing calls for sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term viability of starry grouper populations.

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