Top Silver Scabbardfish Fishing Countries

The silver scabbardfish (Lepidopus caudatus), also known as the frostfish, is a long, slender, metallic-hued predatory fish found in temperate and subtropical waters worldwide, particularly in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and parts of the Indo-Pacific. This species is prized for its firm, white flesh and is an important commercial catch in several countries. The top silver scabbardfish fishing nations include Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Japan, where the species is harvested both by targeted longline and trawl fisheries as well as incidentally as bycatch. In Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean basin and along the Atlantic coasts, silver scabbardfish is a valued seafood product, often sold fresh or salted, and supports local fishing economies. Japan also maintains a significant fishery, where the species is consumed domestically and sometimes exported. The fishing industry for silver scabbardfish is characterized by small to medium-scale operations, with landings peaking seasonally and management measures in place in some regions to ensure sustainability.

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