The Big Scale Pomfret (Taractichthys longipinnis) is a deep-sea fish species found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, recognized by its laterally compressed, silvery body and large scales. This species is typically caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries rather than being a primary target, but it holds commercial value in some regions for its firm, flavorful flesh. The top countries harvesting Big Scale Pomfret include Spain, Portugal, and Japan, whose fleets operate in the eastern and western Atlantic, often targeting mixed deep-sea species. These nations have developed specialized deep-sea fishing industries, with Spain and Portugal benefiting from their proximity to the productive waters off West Africa and the Azores, while Japan imports pomfret from global sources to meet local demand. The fishing of Big Scale Pomfret is regulated in some areas to prevent overexploitation, reflecting growing awareness of the need for sustainable management of deep-sea resources.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.