Top Yellowstripe Goatfish Fishing Countries

The Yellowstripe Goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) is a vibrant, schooling reef fish easily recognized by its slender body, yellow lateral stripe, and barbels beneath its chin, which it uses to forage for small invertebrates in sandy or coral habitats. This species is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. The top countries engaged in harvesting Yellowstripe Goatfish include Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and various Pacific Island nations, where the fish is caught using traditional handlines, nets, and traps. In these countries, Yellowstripe Goatfish is valued both as a staple food source and for its role in local markets, supporting small-scale fisheries and coastal communities. While not typically targeted by large-scale industrial fleets, the species is an important part of artisanal fisheries, and sustainable management is crucial to maintain healthy stocks in regions where it is a dietary and economic mainstay.

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