The Top Warty Dory (Zeus capensis), also known as the Cape Dory, is a deep-sea fish found primarily in the southeastern Atlantic and southwestern Indian Oceans, particularly along the coasts of southern Africa. Characterized by its tall, laterally compressed body and distinctive warty skin texture, this species is valued for its delicate, white flesh. The leading countries involved in the commercial harvest of Top Warty Dory are South Africa and Namibia, where the species is targeted by bottom trawl fisheries operating on the continental shelf and slope. While not as widely known or fished as its relative, the John Dory, the Top Warty Dory supports a modest but important regional fishery, with most of the catch destined for local markets and some export. The fishing industry in these countries is regulated to ensure sustainable yields, as the species is considered vulnerable to overfishing due to its slow growth and low reproductive rate.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 520 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.