The Swallowtail Seaperch (Anthias anthias), also known as the swallowtail or Mediterranean anthias, is a vibrant, small marine fish recognized for its striking pink and orange coloration and distinctive forked tail. This species inhabits rocky reefs and deep waters of the eastern Atlantic, including the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. While not a primary target of large-scale commercial fisheries, the Swallowtail Seaperch is often caught as bycatch in trawl and longline fisheries, and is sometimes harvested for local consumption or the aquarium trade. The top countries involved in the fishing and harvesting of Swallowtail Seaperch are primarily Mediterranean nations such as Italy, Greece, Spain, and Turkey, where the species is more commonly found and occasionally appears in local fish markets. These countries’ fishing industries focus mainly on a variety of demersal and reef-associated fish, with the Swallowtail Seaperch representing a small but valued component of local artisanal and small-scale fisheries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.