Top Salema Butterfish Fishing Countries

The Salema butterfish (Sarpa salpa), also known as the dreamfish, is a small, golden-striped species found predominantly in the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Recognized for its distinctive horizontal stripes and moderate size, the Salema butterfish is a popular catch in southern Europe and North Africa. The leading countries harvesting this species are Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Morocco, where it is caught primarily by small-scale artisanal fisheries using nets and lines. The fish is valued both for local consumption and as a delicacy in Mediterranean cuisine. While not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the Salema butterfish plays an important role in the coastal fishing economies of these nations, supporting traditional fishing communities and contributing to regional seafood markets.

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