The King Dory (Cyttus traversi), also known as the Cape Dory or lookdown dory, is a deep-sea fish species found primarily in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, particularly around New Zealand, southern Australia, and South Africa. Characterized by its laterally compressed body and silvery coloration, the King Dory is a valued commercial species due to its mild-flavored, white flesh. The top countries involved in the harvesting of King Dory are New Zealand and Australia, where it is caught mainly as bycatch in deepwater trawl fisheries targeting other species such as hoki and orange roughy. South Africa also participates in its harvest, albeit on a smaller scale. The King Dory fishing industry is relatively modest compared to more prominent fisheries, but its catch supports local markets and contributes to the export of high-quality seafood products. Sustainable management practices are increasingly emphasized in these countries to ensure the long-term viability of King Dory populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 468 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.