The topknot is a group of small, flatfish species belonging to the family Scophthalmidae, most notably the common topknot (Zeugopterus punctatus), found in the eastern North Atlantic, including the coasts of Europe from Norway to the Mediterranean. These fish are characterized by their oval, flattened bodies and ability to cling to rocks and vertical surfaces, making them unique among flatfish. While topknot species are not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, they are occasionally caught as bycatch in trawl and net fisheries. The countries most associated with the harvesting of topknot include the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Norway, where they are sometimes landed alongside more commercially valuable flatfish like sole and plaice. In these regions, topknot may be consumed locally or used as bait, but their overall economic impact is minor compared to other flatfish species.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.