Top Cuckoo Wrasse Fishing Countries

The cuckoo wrasse (Labrus mixtus) is a vibrantly colored marine fish found mainly in the eastern North Atlantic, from Norway and Iceland down to Morocco and into the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its striking blue and orange coloration, the cuckoo wrasse inhabits rocky reefs and kelp forests, where it feeds on crustaceans and mollusks. While not a major commercial target due to its relatively small size and localized populations, the cuckoo wrasse is harvested primarily by small-scale and artisanal fisheries, as well as by recreational anglers, especially in countries like Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain. In these regions, the species is often caught using hook-and-line methods and is valued for its delicate flesh, though it is more commonly released or used as bait for larger predatory fish. The fishing industry for cuckoo wrasse remains modest, and the species is generally not subject to large-scale commercial exploitation, with most catches occurring as bycatch or within local fisheries focused on sustainable practices.

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