Top Lusitanian Toadfish Fishing Countries

The Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) is a bottom-dwelling, coastal species found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, especially along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and northwest Africa. Recognizable by its broad, flattened head and ability to produce distinctive croaking sounds, this fish inhabits estuaries, lagoons, and shallow marine environments. While not a major target for large-scale commercial fisheries, the Lusitanian toadfish is occasionally caught as bycatch in trawl and artisanal fisheries, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where it may be sold locally for consumption or used as bait. These countries, with their extensive Atlantic coastlines and traditional fishing communities, represent the primary harvesters of this species, though overall catch volumes remain relatively low compared to more commercially valuable fish.

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