The Top Arched Swimming Crab (Portunus sanguinolentus), also known as the three-spot swimming crab, is a commercially valuable crustacean found in the Indo-Pacific region. This species is characterized by its broad, arched carapace and distinctive red or purple spots. It inhabits coastal and estuarine waters, where it is targeted by both artisanal and commercial fisheries for its sweet, tender meat. Major fishing countries harvesting the Top Arched Swimming Crab include China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These nations have developed robust fisheries for the species, with China and India leading in both wild catch and aquaculture production. The crabs are primarily caught using traps, trawls, and gillnets, and are exported fresh, frozen, or processed to international markets, particularly in East Asia and the Middle East. Sustainable management is increasingly important in these regions due to concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.