The Cape elephantfish (Callorhinchus capensis) is a distinctive chimaera species found along the southern African coast, particularly from Namibia to South Africa. Recognizable by its elongated, trunk-like snout, this bottom-dwelling fish inhabits sandy and muddy substrates of the continental shelf. The primary countries harvesting Cape elephantfish are South Africa and Namibia, where it is caught both as a targeted species and as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. The fish is valued for its flesh and, in some cases, for its roe. South Africa, with its developed demersal trawl industry, is the leading harvester, while Namibia also contributes to the regional catch. The Cape elephantfish fishery is relatively small compared to other commercial fisheries but is locally significant, supplying domestic markets and supporting small-scale fishers.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 579 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.