The top scaldback (Arnoglossus laterna) is a small, left-eyed flatfish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, inhabiting sandy and muddy seabeds at depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to about 200 meters. Recognized for its slender, oval body and distinctive scaleless patches, the top scaldback is not a major commercial species but is often caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries targeting other demersal fish. The primary fishing countries harvesting the top scaldback include Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, where it is occasionally marketed locally or used as bait. While not a high-value target, its presence in mixed-species trawl landings makes it a minor but consistent component of the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic fisheries, reflecting the region's diverse and multi-species fishing industry.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.