Top Dentex Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Top Dentex, a term often used to refer to species within the genus *Dentex*—notably *Dentex dentex*, also known as the common dentex—is a prized predatory fish found predominantly in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Recognized for its robust body, sharp teeth, and silvery-blue coloration, the dentex is highly valued both as a commercial and recreational catch due to its firm, flavorful flesh. Major fishing countries for dentex and related species include Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Tunisia, where the species is harvested through artisanal, small-scale coastal fisheries using longlines, trammel nets, and handlines. These Mediterranean nations have a long tradition of dentex fishing, integrating it into local cuisines and economies, while also facing challenges related to overfishing and habitat degradation. The "not elsewhere included" (nei) designation in FAO statistics typically encompasses catches of various *Dentex* species that are not identified to the species level, reflecting the mixed-species nature of many Mediterranean fisheries.

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