The top butterfish, also known as greenbone (family Odacidae, particularly Odax pullus), is a coastal marine fish species found primarily in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, especially around New Zealand and southern Australia. Recognized for their greenish-blue coloration and distinctive bony head structure, greenbone are highly valued both as a recreational catch and a commercial species due to their delicate, flavorful flesh. New Zealand is the leading country in harvesting greenbone, where it is commonly caught by line and net fisheries along rocky reefs and kelp beds. In Australia, particularly in the southern states such as Victoria and Tasmania, greenbone are also targeted by small-scale commercial and recreational fishers. The fishing industry for greenbone is relatively localized, with most of the catch consumed domestically, and strict regulations in place to ensure sustainable harvests and protect local populations from overfishing.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 69 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.