The Mediterranean dealfish (Trachipterus trachypterus) is a rare, elongated, ribbon-like deep-sea fish found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters. Known for its silvery sheen and striking red dorsal fin, the dealfish is not a primary target of commercial fisheries due to its elusive nature and deep habitat, typically residing at depths of 200 to 1,000 meters. However, it is occasionally caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries. The main Mediterranean countries reporting incidental catches of dealfish include Italy, Spain, and Greece, where deep-sea fishing fleets operate for more commercially valuable species such as hake and deepwater red shrimp. While the dealfish has limited economic importance and is not widely consumed, its occasional landings are documented in these countries, reflecting the broader biodiversity encountered by Mediterranean fishing industries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 5 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.