The Shortspine African Angler (Lophius vaillanti) is a deep-sea anglerfish found primarily along the West African coast, from Morocco to Angola. Recognized for its broad, flattened head and distinctive lure used to attract prey, this demersal species inhabits muddy or sandy seabeds at depths ranging from 50 to 700 meters. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvest of Shortspine African Angler are Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and Angola, where it is valued for its firm, white flesh and is often marketed as "monkfish." These nations utilize trawl fisheries to target this species, contributing significantly to their local economies and export markets. Sustainable management of Shortspine African Angler stocks is increasingly important due to concerns about overfishing and bycatch in these productive West African fisheries.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.