Top Plownose Chimaera Fishing Countries

The plownose chimaera (Callorhinchus milii), also known as the elephant fish or ghost shark, is a deep-sea cartilaginous fish distinguished by its elongated, flexible snout resembling a plow. Found primarily in temperate southern hemisphere waters, this species inhabits the continental shelf and upper slope regions around southern Australia, New Zealand, and parts of South America. The top plownose chimaera fishing countries are Australia and New Zealand, where they are targeted both as a commercial species and as bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries. The fish is valued for its white flesh and roe, and in these countries, it is commonly sold in local markets and used in fish and chips. While not a major global fishery, the plownose chimaera supports small-scale commercial operations, with Australia and New Zealand implementing management measures to ensure sustainable harvests and to monitor population health.

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