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Vaillant's grenadier

Bathygadus melanobranchus

Vaillant's grenadier© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Vaillant's grenadier (Bathygadus melanobranchus) is a deep‑sea demersal fish reaching about 50 cm, known for its dark body and bioluminescent organs. It inhabits continental slopes and is rarely targeted, but can be caught by anglers equipped for deep‑water trolling. Though not prized for food, it is occasionally consumed after proper preparation.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Bathygadidae

Max Size

50 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

400-2600m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

All year, with higher catches in summer months

Best Time

Night, when deep‑sea prey are most active

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Vaillant's grenadier

  • Use a heavy offshore rod with a fast action to handle the weight of deep‑water gear.
  • Deploy a weighted rig or downrigger to reach 500‑1500 m depths; a 10‑15 kg (20‑30 lb) sinker works well.
  • Use bioluminescent or glow‑in‑the‑dark jigs, or fresh squid/lanternfish bait to attract this demersal species.
  • Retrieve slowly with occasional pauses to mimic the natural movement of deep‑sea prey.

Top Fishing Locations for Vaillant's grenadier

Kermadec Trench Deepwater Charter, North Island

New Zealand
expert12% Rare

Deep‑sea longline charters operating off the Kermadec Trench target grenadiers at 900‑1300 m; Vaillant's grenadier is a regular by‑catch when vessels use heavy jigs during the austral winter.

Best: May‑August

Cape Town Offshore Deep‑Sea Zone

South Africa
expert8% Rare

Off the continental slope near Cape Point, scientific and recreational vessels deploy deep‑water dropline rigs; Vaillant's grenadier appears more frequently during the Southern Hemisphere spring.

Best: September‑November

Azores Deepwater Grounds

Portugal
expert6% Rare

The mid‑Atlantic ridge around the Azores hosts deep‑sea fisheries; targeted grenadier trips in summer see occasional Vaillant's grenadier catches on heavy bottom‑golf gear.

Best: June‑September

Southwest Atlantic Off Patagonia

Argentina
expert9% Rare

Longline vessels operating off the Patagonian Shelf at 700‑1200 m encounter Vaillant's grenadier most reliably during the austral summer when upwelling increases prey availability.

Best: December‑February

Indian Ocean Deepwater Zone, Mauritius EEZ

Mauritius
expert4% Very Rare

Deep‑sea sport vessels using electric reels and specialized deep‑drop rigs target grenadiers; Vaillant's grenadier is a rare prize but documented catches rise during the cyclone‑free months.

Best: April‑July

Southern Ocean Sub‑Antarctic Ridge

United Kingdom (British Antarctic Territory)
expert3% Very Rare

Research‑supported tourism vessels run deep‑water trawl surveys; Vaillant's grenadier appears more often in the winter months when Antarctic Bottom Water mixes with deeper layers.

Best: June‑August

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Vaillant's grenadier

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy offshore rod, 2.1–2.7 m, fast action
Line100–200 lb test braided line
Lure TypeLarge deep‑water jig or glowing lure
TechniqueDeep drop fishing with weighted rig and downrigger

Best bait: Fresh squid or lanternfish strips