The Greater Forkbeard (Phycis blennoides) is a deep-water demersal fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea and the waters off northwest Africa and western Europe. Characterized by its elongated body, chin barbel, and deeply forked tail, the Greater Forkbeard inhabits rocky and muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 100 to over 1,000 meters. The commercial fishing industry targets this species mainly as bycatch in trawl and longline fisheries, with Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Morocco ranking among the top countries harvesting Greater Forkbeard. These nations, with their established deep-sea fishing fleets and proximity to the species’ natural habitats, supply local markets where the fish is valued for its mild flavor and firm texture. Although not as economically significant as other demersal species, the Greater Forkbeard contributes to the diversity of catches in the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic fisheries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1,190 |
| 2 | France | 477 |
| 3 | Norway | 286 |
| 4 | Italy | 285 |
| 5 | Algeria | 90 |
| 6 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 80 |
| 7 | Denmark | 49 |
| 8 | Morocco | 40 |
| 9 | Portugal | 11 |
| 10 | Senegal | 10 |
| 10 | Türkiye | 10 |
| 12 | Ireland | 3 |
| 12 | Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | 3 |
| 14 | Malta | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.