The Top Rock Goby (*Gobius paganellus*) is a small, coastal fish species native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Black Sea. Characterized by its robust body and mottled brown coloration, the Top Rock Goby inhabits rocky shorelines, tidal pools, and seagrass beds. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, this species is occasionally caught as bycatch or harvested for local consumption and bait, particularly in southern European countries. The primary countries associated with Top Rock Goby fishing are Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries operate along the rocky coasts. In these regions, the goby is sometimes used in traditional dishes or sold in local markets, but its economic significance remains minor compared to more commercially valuable fish species.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Egypt | 25 |
2 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.