The Top Banded Whiptail (Coelorinchus fasciatus) is a deep-sea fish species belonging to the rattail or grenadier family (Macrouridae), recognized for its elongated body, tapered tail, and distinctive dark banding. Found primarily in the temperate and sub-Antarctic waters of the southern hemisphere, this species inhabits depths ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvesting of the Top Banded Whiptail are New Zealand, Australia, and, to a lesser extent, Chile and Argentina. These nations operate deep-sea trawl fisheries targeting grenadiers as part of mixed groundfish catches, with the Top Banded Whiptail often processed for fishmeal, surimi, or export markets. New Zealand, in particular, has developed a regulated fishery for various grenadier species, including the Top Banded Whiptail, balancing economic interests with sustainable management practices to protect deep-sea ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.