Top Red Bandfish Fishing Countries

The Red Bandfish (*Cepola macrophthalma*) is a slender, elongated marine fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, recognized for its bright red coloration and ribbon-like body. This species inhabits sandy or muddy seabeds at moderate depths, where it constructs burrows for shelter. While not a major target for large-scale commercial fisheries, the Red Bandfish is caught incidentally as bycatch and is occasionally harvested for local consumption, particularly in Mediterranean countries. The top countries involved in the fishing of Red Bandfish include Spain, Italy, and Greece, where small-scale artisanal fisheries land this species alongside other demersal fish. In these regions, the Red Bandfish is sometimes sold fresh in local markets, contributing modestly to the local fishing industry but remaining relatively minor in global fisheries statistics.

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