The white teatfish (Holothuria fuscogilva) is a highly valued species of sea cucumber found primarily in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its large size and distinctive white, fleshy body with small protruding "teats." Prized in Asian markets for its culinary and medicinal uses, the white teatfish supports lucrative export fisheries, but its slow growth and high demand have led to overexploitation and population declines. The leading countries involved in harvesting white teatfish are Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea, where artisanal and small-scale fishers collect them from shallow reef habitats. These nations export significant quantities to China, Hong Kong, and other East Asian countries, making the white teatfish a crucial, yet vulnerable, resource in their coastal economies. Due to intense fishing pressure, the species is now listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, prompting stricter regulations and conservation efforts in several source countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seychelles | 46 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.