The Kaup's arrowtooth eel (*Synaphobranchus kaupii*) is a deep-sea eel species found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, typically inhabiting depths between 120 and 2,300 meters. Recognized by its elongated body and sharp, arrow-shaped teeth, this eel is primarily caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl fisheries targeting other species. The main countries involved in the harvesting of Kaup's arrowtooth eel include Spain, Portugal, and Japan, where deep-sea trawling is a significant industry. In these countries, the species is sometimes processed for fishmeal or used locally as food, although it is not a major commercial target compared to more valuable deep-sea fish. The fishing industry for this eel is relatively small and often regulated due to concerns about the sustainability of deep-sea ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.