Top Surgeonfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Surgeonfishes, belonging to the family Acanthuridae, are vibrant, reef-dwelling fish recognized for the sharp, scalpel-like spines on either side of their tails. While they are not targeted as intensively as some other reef fish, surgeonfishes are an important component of artisanal and subsistence fisheries in tropical and subtropical regions. The “Top Surgeonfishes Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries” typically refers to nations with significant but less globally publicized catches, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and various Pacific Island countries like Fiji and Kiribati. In these regions, surgeonfishes are harvested primarily for local consumption, often caught using handlines, nets, and traps in coral reef environments. Their role in local diets and markets is notable, though international trade is limited. The fishing industry for surgeonfishes in these countries is generally small-scale, supporting coastal communities and contributing to food security, while also raising concerns about sustainable management due to the ecological importance of surgeonfishes in maintaining healthy reef systems.

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