Lancetfishes, belonging to the genus *Alepisaurus*, are large, predatory, deep-sea fish recognized for their elongated bodies, large mouths, and prominent dorsal fins. They inhabit temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, often at depths ranging from 100 to 2,000 meters. While not a primary target for most commercial fisheries due to their soft, watery flesh and limited market demand, lancetfishes are frequently caught as bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish. The countries most associated with harvesting lancetfishes—though often not as a direct target—include Japan, Taiwan, Spain, and the United States, particularly through their high-seas longline fleets operating in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These nations report lancetfish catches under the "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) category in FAO statistics, reflecting the incidental and non-targeted nature of this fishery. Despite their limited economic value, lancetfishes are ecologically significant as mid-level predators and are of scientific interest due to their wide distribution and role in deep-sea food webs.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.