The butterfly gurnard (family Triglidae, genus Lepidotrigla), recognized for its vibrant pectoral fins resembling butterfly wings, inhabits temperate and subtropical coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean, and parts of the Indo-Pacific. This demersal species is often caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting mixed demersal fish. The top butterfly gurnard fishing countries include Italy, Greece, and Turkey in the Mediterranean, as well as New Zealand and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region. In these countries, butterfly gurnards are valued both for their delicate, white flesh and their role in local cuisines, though they are generally a minor component of commercial landings. While not a primary target, their consistent presence in trawl catches contributes to the diversity and economic value of mixed-species fisheries in these regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.