The Spiny Turbot (Psettodes belcheri), a demersal flatfish known for its diamond-shaped body and distinctive spiny dorsal fin, inhabits the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic and western Indian Oceans, particularly off the coasts of West Africa and the Indian subcontinent. This species is valued for its firm, white flesh and is typically caught using trawling methods. The top countries engaged in Spiny Turbot fishing include Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Mauritania in West Africa, as well as India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean region. These nations have established commercial fisheries targeting Spiny Turbot both for local consumption and export, contributing to their coastal economies. The industry, while economically significant, faces challenges such as overfishing and habitat degradation, prompting some regional efforts toward sustainable management practices.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.