The Northern Bastard Codling (Raniceps raninus), also known as the tadpole fish, is a small, bottom-dwelling species found primarily in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly around the coasts of northern Europe. Characterized by its tadpole-like appearance and preference for muddy or sandy seabeds, this fish is not a major commercial target but is often caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries. The countries most associated with harvesting the Northern Bastard Codling include Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, where it occasionally appears in landings from mixed demersal fisheries targeting more commercially valuable species like cod and haddock. While not a staple of the fishing industry, its presence reflects the biodiversity of northern European fisheries and the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure the health of these ecosystems.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 10 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.