The Smalltooth Sand Tiger (*Odontaspis ferox*) is a large, slow-moving shark species found in deep coastal and offshore waters of temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, recognized by its bulky body, conical snout, and protruding, fang-like teeth. This species is relatively rare and is not a primary target of commercial fisheries; however, it is occasionally caught as bycatch in deepwater trawl, longline, and gillnet fisheries. Countries with deepwater fishing industries, such as Spain, Portugal, Japan, and New Zealand, are among the top nations where the Smalltooth Sand Tiger is incidentally harvested, primarily in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and southwestern Pacific regions. The species is valued for its meat, fins, and liver oil, but due to its low reproductive rate and vulnerability to overfishing, it is listed as Vulnerable or Critically Endangered in many areas, prompting some countries to implement strict regulations or protection measures to safeguard remaining populations.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.