The Thorntooth Grenadier (Lepidorhynchus denticulatus), also known as the javelin fish, is a deep-sea species found primarily in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, especially around New Zealand and southern Australia. Characterized by its elongated body, large head, and distinctive thorn-like scales, the Thorntooth Grenadier inhabits depths ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters. The commercial fishing industry targets this species mainly as bycatch in deep-water trawl fisheries, with New Zealand and Australia being the top countries harvesting Thorntooth Grenadier. In these nations, the fish is often processed into fishmeal or used for human consumption, contributing modestly to their overall deep-sea fisheries. Sustainable management practices are increasingly emphasized in these regions to ensure the long-term viability of deepwater fish stocks, including the Thorntooth Grenadier.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 3,229 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.