Top Barred Grunt Fishing Countries

The top barred grunt (Pomadasys incisus), also known as the bastard grunt, is a medium-sized marine fish found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal waters of northwest Africa. Characterized by its silvery body and distinctive dark bars along its back, this species inhabits rocky and sandy bottoms, often near reefs or seagrass beds. The top barred grunt is primarily targeted by small-scale and artisanal fisheries, rather than large industrial fleets, with significant catches reported in countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Spain. These nations rely on the species for both local consumption and regional markets, with the fish commonly sold fresh or used in traditional Mediterranean dishes. While not a major global commercial species, the top barred grunt plays an important role in the coastal fisheries of North Africa and southern Europe, contributing to the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

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