Top Wrasses, Hogfishes, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Wrasses and hogfishes, belonging to the family Labridae, are a diverse group of colorful, primarily reef-dwelling marine fishes found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. These species are prized for their ecological roles in coral reef health and, in some regions, for their value as food and ornamental aquarium fish. The global fishing industry for wrasses, hogfishes, and related species not elsewhere included (NEI) is relatively small compared to major commercial fish, but it is significant in certain countries. Leading fishing nations include Indonesia, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries, where these fishes are commonly harvested by artisanal and small-scale fisheries, often using handlines, traps, and nets. In addition, Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Italy also report catches of wrasses, particularly for local consumption. The trade in live wrasses, especially species like the humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), is also notable in the aquarium and luxury seafood markets, with Hong Kong and China being major importers. Sustainable management is a concern due to their ecological importance and vulnerability to overfishing, especially for larger, slow-growing species.

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