Thor’s scaldfish (Arnoglossus thori) is a small, left-eyed flatfish found in the eastern Atlantic, from Norway and the British Isles southward to West Africa, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Recognized for its slender, oval body and sandy coloration, Thor’s scaldfish is typically caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries rather than as a targeted species. The leading countries involved in harvesting Thor’s scaldfish are Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and other Mediterranean nations such as Italy and Greece, where trawl fisheries are well-developed. While not a major commercial species, Thor’s scaldfish contributes to the overall catch of mixed demersal fisheries in these regions, often being processed into fishmeal or used for local consumption. The fishing industry in these countries is characterized by a combination of artisanal and industrial fleets, with a focus on sustainable management due to the diverse assemblage of species caught alongside Thor’s scaldfish.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 28 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.