The Yawning Stardrum (Argyrosomus somnolentus) is a medium-sized, deep-bodied drum fish known for its silvery sheen and distinctive, wide-opening mouth, commonly found in subtropical coastal waters. This species is highly valued for its mild, flaky flesh and is targeted both by commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top yawning stardrum fishing countries include China, Vietnam, and South Africa, where the fish is harvested primarily using bottom trawling and longline methods. In these countries, the stardrum supports local economies through fresh and processed exports, with China leading global production due to its extensive coastal fisheries infrastructure and high domestic demand. Sustainable management practices are increasingly being implemented to ensure the long-term viability of yawning stardrum stocks, given concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation in key fishing regions.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.