The cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) is a small, hardy wrasse native to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Newfoundland to New Jersey. Recognized for its robust body and variable coloration, the cunner is often found around rocky reefs, eelgrass beds, and piers. While not a major commercial species, cunner are harvested primarily as bycatch in the United States and Canada, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and southern New England. The United States is the top cunner fishing country, with smaller catches reported in Canada. Cunner are valued locally for their mild-flavored flesh and are sometimes used as bait in lobster traps. The species is not heavily targeted by large-scale fisheries, and most cunner landings come from small-scale, artisanal, or recreational fishers in these North American coastal regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States of America | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.