The Swallowtail Dart (Trachinotus coppingeri) is a sleek, fast-swimming marine fish found primarily in the warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Recognized for its forked “swallowtail” caudal fin and silvery body, the Swallowtail Dart is a popular target among both commercial and recreational fishers due to its fighting spirit and culinary value. The top fishing countries for this species include Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, where it is caught using gillnets, handlines, and occasionally as bycatch in trawl fisheries. While not a major global commercial species, the Swallowtail Dart supports local fisheries and markets, especially in Australia, where it is also sought after by sport anglers along the northern and eastern coasts. Sustainable management practices are increasingly emphasized in these regions to ensure healthy populations and continued economic benefits from this prized coastal fish.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.