Slimeheads, particularly those categorized as "not elsewhere included" (NEI) in global fisheries statistics, are deep-sea fish belonging to the family Trachichthyidae, with the most well-known species being the orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus). These fish are characterized by their rough, spiny scales and ability to live for over a century in deep, cold ocean waters. The primary fishing nations targeting NEI slimeheads are New Zealand, Australia, and to a lesser extent, Namibia and Chile, where deep-sea trawling fleets operate on continental slopes. The slimehead fishery is notable for its challenges regarding sustainability, as these species are slow-growing and late-maturing, making them highly susceptible to overfishing. International management efforts have increased in recent years, but concerns remain about the long-term viability of slimehead populations due to the intensity of past exploitation and the ongoing demand in international seafood markets, especially for the prized orange roughy.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.