The royal flagfin (Aulopus filamentosus) is a deepwater fish species found in the Atlantic, Indian, and western Pacific Oceans, recognized for its elongated body, filamentous dorsal fin, and vibrant coloration. Although not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the royal flagfin is occasionally caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawl and longline fisheries. The countries most associated with harvesting this species include Japan, Taiwan, Spain, and Portugal, where deep-sea fishing fleets operate in suitable habitats along continental slopes. In these regions, the royal flagfin is sometimes marketed locally or used as bait for other fisheries, but it generally represents a minor component of the overall catch compared to more commercially valuable deepwater species.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.