The Dogface Witch Eel (Family: Synaphobranchidae, commonly known as the Dogface Witch Eel or Synaphobranchus spp.) is a deep-sea eel found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, typically inhabiting depths between 200 and 2,000 meters. Recognizable by its elongated body and distinctive, somewhat canine-like snout, this species is not widely targeted by commercial fisheries but is frequently caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries. The top countries known to harvest Dogface Witch Eels, primarily as incidental catch, include Spain, Portugal, Japan, and New Zealand, where deep-sea fishing fleets operate for other species such as grenadiers, hake, and alfonsino. While not a primary target, the Dogface Witch Eel is occasionally processed for fishmeal or used locally as food, and its presence in commercial landings is closely monitored due to concerns about the sustainability of deep-sea ecosystems.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.