Top Large Eye Dentex Fishing Countries

The large eye dentex (Dentex macrophthalmus) is a deep-water, predatory fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, especially off the coasts of West Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and occasionally in the Canary Islands and Madeira. Recognized for its robust body, large eyes, and silvery-pink coloration, this species is highly valued for its firm, white flesh and is targeted by both artisanal and commercial fisheries. The top countries harvesting large eye dentex include Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and other West African nations, where the species is caught using trawls and longlines, often alongside other demersal species. The fish is an important part of local diets and is also exported, contributing to the regional fishing economy. Sustainable management is increasingly important due to concerns about overfishing and bycatch in these productive but vulnerable fisheries.

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