The American harvestfish (Peprilus paru), also known as the butterfish or harvestfish, is a silvery, deep-bodied marine fish found along the western Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Maine to Argentina. Valued for its mild flavor and delicate texture, the American harvestfish is primarily caught using trawl nets and is often a bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. The top countries harvesting this species are the United States, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions, and Brazil, where it is commonly landed as part of mixed-species coastal fisheries. While not a major target of large-scale commercial operations, the American harvestfish supports local markets and is an important component of artisanal and small-scale fisheries in these countries. Sustainable management and monitoring are crucial, as the species can be sensitive to overfishing due to its schooling behavior and habitat preferences.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 63 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.