Top Blacktail Comber Fishing Countries

The Blacktail Comber (Serranus atricauda) is a small, predatory marine fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the waters off the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Recognizable by its elongated body, dark vertical stripes, and distinctive black marking on the tail, this species inhabits rocky and sandy substrates at depths of up to 350 meters. The Blacktail Comber is valued both as a commercial and recreational catch, particularly in southern European and North African countries. Portugal, Spain (notably the Canary Islands), and Morocco are among the top countries harvesting this species, where it is caught using small-scale artisanal fishing methods such as hook-and-line, traps, and gillnets. While not a major target of industrial fisheries, the Blacktail Comber contributes to local economies and is often sold fresh in regional markets, prized for its delicate flavor and firm texture.

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