Top Sweetlips and Rubberlips, grouped under the category "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) in FAO fisheries statistics, refer to various species within the Haemulidae family, particularly the genera Plectorhinchus and Diagramma. These reef-associated fishes are characterized by their thick, fleshy lips, vibrant coloration, and are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. The primary fishing countries harvesting Sweetlips and Rubberlips NEI include Indonesia, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, where they are caught both for local consumption and export, often as part of mixed reef fish catches. The fishing industry for these species is largely artisanal, utilizing handlines, traps, and gillnets, with some commercial operations supplying live reef fish markets in East Asia. Sweetlips and Rubberlips are valued for their firm, white flesh and are popular in regional cuisines, but concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation have led to increased interest in sustainable management practices in these top producing countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 45,608 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.