Top Black Cardinal Fish Fishing Countries

The Black Cardinal Fish (*Epigonus telescopus*) is a deep-sea species found in temperate and subtropical waters, typically dwelling at depths between 300 and 1,200 meters. Recognizable by its dark coloration and large eyes, this fish is valued for its firm, white flesh and is primarily targeted by commercial deep-sea trawl fisheries. The leading countries involved in harvesting Black Cardinal Fish are New Zealand, Australia, and Namibia, where the species is often caught alongside other deepwater species such as orange roughy. New Zealand, in particular, has developed a regulated fishery for Black Cardinal Fish, with strict quotas and monitoring to ensure sustainability. The fishing industry for this species is relatively specialized due to the challenging deep-sea environment, and landings are generally destined for export markets in Asia and Europe.

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