The elongate frostfish (Lepidopus caudatus) is a slender, silvery, deep-sea fish found in temperate and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Characterized by its ribbon-like body and long dorsal fin, this species inhabits depths ranging from 100 to over 1,000 meters. The primary fishing countries targeting elongate frostfish are New Zealand, Australia, Spain, and Portugal, where it is often caught as bycatch in deepwater trawl and longline fisheries targeting other species such as hoki and alfonsino. While not a major commercial species globally, elongate frostfish is valued in local markets, particularly in southern Europe and Oceania, where it is sold fresh or frozen. The industry remains relatively small-scale, with landings fluctuating based on market demand and the catch of associated target species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.