The Black Oreo (Allocyttus niger), also known as Black Oreo Dory, is a deep-sea fish species found primarily in the temperate waters of the southern hemisphere, particularly around New Zealand and southern Australia. Characterized by its laterally compressed, dark-colored body, the Black Oreo inhabits depths ranging from 400 to 1,400 meters and is often associated with continental slopes and seamounts. The commercial fishing industry targets Black Oreo primarily through deepwater trawling, with New Zealand being the leading country in its harvest, followed by Australia. These nations have developed regulated fisheries for Black Oreo, often alongside related species like the Smooth Oreo and Orange Roughy, exporting the catch to international markets where the firm, white flesh is valued. Sustainable management practices are increasingly important, as deep-sea species like the Black Oreo are vulnerable to overfishing due to their slow growth and late maturity.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.