The Silvery Lightfish (*Auloscombrus sardinus*), a small, deep-sea fish known for its reflective, silver scales and bioluminescent organs, is primarily harvested for use in fishmeal, oil, and occasionally as bait in commercial fisheries. This species inhabits the mesopelagic zones of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, making it accessible to nations with advanced deep-sea fishing fleets. The top countries engaged in Silvery Lightfish fishing are Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Japan, each leveraging their proximity to rich offshore waters and their established pelagic fishing industries. Spain and Portugal, with their long histories of deep-sea fishing and robust fish processing sectors, dominate the European catch, while Morocco benefits from its Atlantic coastline and investment in industrial fishing. Japan, with its sophisticated fleets and demand for marine resources, is a major harvester in the Pacific. Together, these countries supply global markets with Silvery Lightfish products, supporting local economies and the broader fishmeal industry.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 4 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.