The Yellowspotted Grunt (Haemulon maculicauda) is a medium-sized marine fish recognized by its silvery body adorned with yellow spots, commonly found in the eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. This species inhabits rocky reefs and coastal areas, making it a frequent target for artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries. The primary countries harvesting Yellowspotted Grunt are Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, where it forms an important part of local diets and markets. In these nations, the fishing industry relies heavily on traditional methods such as handlines, gillnets, and traps, with the catch typically sold fresh in local markets or consumed domestically. While not a major export species, the Yellowspotted Grunt supports the livelihoods of many coastal communities and contributes to the rich diversity of fisheries in the eastern Pacific region.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.