Cusk eels, classified within the family Ophidiidae, are elongated, bottom-dwelling marine fishes found in deep and coastal waters worldwide. While not as commercially prominent as cod or haddock, cusk eels are harvested for food and fishmeal, particularly in regions where other whitefish resources are limited. The category "Cusk Eels Not Elsewhere Included" typically refers to various species within the family that are not specified individually in trade or catch statistics. The top fishing countries for these cusk eels include China, Taiwan, Japan, and Spain, where trawl fisheries operate in deep-sea environments. These nations utilize cusk eels for local consumption and export, often as a substitute for more popular whitefish species. The fishing industry for cusk eels is generally small-scale compared to major finfish fisheries, but it provides important economic benefits to coastal communities and contributes to the diversity of seafood products in these countries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peru | 1,316 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.