The Long Snouted Lancetfish (*Alepisaurus ferox*) is a large, predatory deep-sea fish recognized by its elongated body, pronounced dorsal fin, and distinctive long snout. Found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, this species is not typically targeted for direct human consumption due to its soft flesh and high water content. However, it is frequently caught as bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries, particularly those targeting tuna and swordfish. The top countries where Long Snouted Lancetfish are most commonly harvested as bycatch include Japan, Taiwan, Spain, and the United States, all of which have significant longline fishing fleets operating in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. While the lancetfish itself has limited commercial value, its presence provides important ecological information about deep-sea environments and the impacts of large-scale pelagic fisheries.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.