Top Yellowbar Angelfish Fishing Countries

The Yellowbar Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus), recognized by its striking blue body and vibrant yellow vertical bar, is a prominent marine angelfish species native to the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. While not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, this species is highly valued in the ornamental aquarium trade. The top countries involved in the collection and export of Yellowbar Angelfish are those bordering its natural habitat, notably Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and, to a lesser extent, Egypt and Yemen. These nations have developed small-scale fisheries and collection operations, primarily focused on supplying the global aquarium market rather than food consumption. Sustainable management and export regulations are increasingly important in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of wild populations and the health of local reef ecosystems.

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