The unicorn cod (Bregmaceros spp.), sometimes referred to as unicorn fish or codlets, are small, slender deep-sea fish found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters. Characterized by their elongated bodies and a distinctive filamentous dorsal fin, unicorn cod are not true cod but belong to the family Bregmacerotidae. These fish are typically caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawling operations rather than being a primary target species. The top countries involved in harvesting unicorn cod are generally those with large-scale deep-sea fishing industries, such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand, where unicorn cod are landed alongside other small pelagic and demersal species. In these regions, unicorn cod are often processed into fish meal or used for local consumption, contributing modestly to the overall fishing industry. While not a major commercial species globally, unicorn cod play a role in the diverse catch profiles of these countries’ fisheries, particularly in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 7 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.