Top Sand Violet Fishing Countries

The Sand Violet, also known as *Callionymus lyra* or the common dragonet, is a small, bottom-dwelling marine fish found predominantly in the sandy and muddy coastal waters of the eastern North Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Mediterranean. This species is valued both for local consumption and as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting other demersal species. The top countries engaged in harvesting the Sand Violet are the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Portugal, where the fish is often landed alongside other small demersal fish. While not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the Sand Violet contributes to the diversity of catches in these regions and is sometimes used in local dishes or as bait. Sustainable management is important, as the species is sensitive to habitat disturbance from bottom trawling, which is common in its preferred sandy habitats.

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