The Atlantic thornyhead (Trachyscorpia cristulata), also known as the spiny scorpionfish, is a deep-water species found in the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the continental slopes and rocky bottoms. Characterized by its reddish coloration and prominent head spines, this fish is valued for its firm, white flesh. Commercial fishing for the Atlantic thornyhead is relatively limited compared to other groundfish, but it is primarily harvested as bycatch in deep-sea trawl fisheries targeting other species. The main countries involved in the harvest of Atlantic thornyhead are Spain and Portugal, where it is occasionally landed in mixed demersal trawl catches, especially in the Northeast Atlantic off the Iberian Peninsula and the Azores. While not a major target species, it contributes to the diversity of deep-sea fisheries in these regions, and its landings are closely monitored to ensure sustainable management of deep-sea ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 6 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.