Top Yellowedge Grouper Fishing Countries

The yellowedge grouper (*Hyporthodus flavolimbatus*) is a deepwater species found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina and the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. Recognized by its yellow-edged fins and robust body, this grouper inhabits depths of 200 to 700 feet, favoring rocky bottoms and ledges. The United States, particularly the Gulf Coast states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, is a leading country in harvesting yellowedge grouper, with a well-regulated commercial and recreational fishery. Brazil and several Caribbean nations, such as the Bahamas and Cuba, also have notable yellowedge grouper fisheries, though often on a smaller scale. The fishing industry targets this species using deep-drop longlines and electric reels, with the U.S. implementing strict quotas and size limits to ensure sustainability, while other countries’ management practices vary in effectiveness. The yellowedge grouper is prized for its firm, white flesh, making it a valuable catch in both domestic and export seafood markets.

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