The Fivebeard Rockling (*Ciliata mustela*) is a small, elongated fish found primarily in the coastal waters of the eastern North Atlantic, including the North Sea and parts of the Baltic Sea. Recognizable by its five distinctive barbels around the mouth, this species inhabits rocky and weedy shorelines, often in shallow waters. While not a major commercial species, the Fivebeard Rockling is occasionally caught as bycatch in small-scale and artisanal fisheries, and sometimes targeted by recreational anglers. The top countries where Fivebeard Rockling are most commonly harvested include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, and France. In these nations, the fish is typically caught using small trawls, handlines, or traps, and is sometimes used as bait or consumed locally, though it holds little significance in large-scale commercial markets. The fishing industry for this species is thus relatively minor, focused mainly on local consumption and recreational fishing rather than international trade.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.