Raor fishing season opens in the Balearics as government declares stock fully recovered
The raor (pearly razorfish) fishing season opened across the Balearic Islands on 1 September, with the government now considering the stock fully recovered after more than two decades of a breeding-season closure. Mallorca Zeitung reports the fish are now almost three times as heavy as before.
The raor fishing season opened across the Balearic Islands on Tuesday, 1 September, one of the dates most anticipated by recreational anglers on Mallorca and the neighbouring islands who fish by boat. Xyrichtys novacula, called Schermesserfisch in German and known in English as the pearly razorfish, is the top target species for hobby fishermen in local waters.
After more than two decades of a closed season protecting the fish during its breeding period, the Balearic government now considers the stock fully recovered, according to Mallorca Zeitung. The outlet's headline for the story states that raor, one of Mallorca's most expensive fish, are now almost three times as heavy as they used to be.
Frequently asked questions
When does the raor fishing season open in the Balearics?
It opened on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, across the Balearic Islands.
What is raor?
Raor (Xyrichtys novacula), called Schermesserfisch in German and known in English as the pearly razorfish, is the top target species for recreational anglers fishing by boat around Mallorca and the neighbouring islands.
Why did the Balearic government reopen the raor fishery?
After more than two decades of a closed season during the fish's breeding period, the Balearic government's data show the raor stock has fully recovered, according to Mallorca Zeitung.