Top Small Red Scorpionfish Fishing Countries

The small red scorpionfish (Scorpaena notata) is a bottom-dwelling marine species recognized for its reddish coloration and venomous spines, commonly found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Valued for its firm, flavorful flesh, the small red scorpionfish is primarily harvested by artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries using trammel nets, longlines, and traps. The top fishing countries for this species are Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey, where it is a traditional component of local seafood cuisine and often sold fresh in coastal markets. While not targeted by large industrial fleets, the small red scorpionfish contributes to the livelihoods of many Mediterranean fishers and is an important species in the region’s mixed-species demersal fisheries. Sustainable management is crucial, as its slow growth and sedentary habits make it vulnerable to overfishing.

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