Top Imperial Blackfish Fishing Countries

The Imperial blackfish (Schedophilus ovalis), also known as the black rudderfish, is a deep-bodied, pelagic species found in temperate and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea. Recognized for its dark coloration and robust build, the Imperial blackfish is typically caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries targeting other species. The primary countries involved in the harvest of Imperial blackfish include Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where the fish is valued for its firm, white flesh and is consumed locally or exported within Europe. While not a major commercial species compared to others, the Imperial blackfish contributes to the mixed-species deepwater fisheries in these nations, with landings recorded primarily in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. The fishing industry for this species is relatively small but forms part of the diverse catch that supports coastal communities in southern Europe.

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