Aristeid shrimps, commonly known as deep-sea red shrimps or scarlet shrimps, belong to the family Aristeidae and are prized for their delicate flavor and vibrant color. These crustaceans inhabit deep waters, typically between 200 and 1,500 meters, and are an important target for commercial fisheries, especially in the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The leading countries involved in the harvest of aristeid shrimps not elsewhere included (NEI) are Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Portugal, with significant contributions also from Greece and Tunisia. These nations operate specialized trawl fisheries targeting species such as Aristaeomorpha foliacea (giant red shrimp) and Aristeus antennatus (blue and red shrimp), which are highly valued in both domestic and export markets. The industry is characterized by advanced deep-sea trawling technology and strict management measures in some regions to ensure sustainability, given the vulnerability of deep-sea species to overfishing.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Spain | 26 |
2 | France | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.