Aristeus shrimps, often referred to as deepwater or deep-sea red shrimps, are prized crustaceans found mainly on muddy sea bottoms at depths ranging from 300 to over 1,000 meters. The most commercially significant species within this group is Aristeus antennatus, known for its bright red color and high market value, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. The top fishing countries for Aristeus shrimps, as categorized under "not elsewhere included" (nei) in FAO statistics, include Spain, Italy, and Morocco, with Spain leading the global catch, especially from the Mediterranean Sea. These countries have developed specialized deep-sea trawl fisheries targeting Aristeus shrimps, supporting both local economies and export markets. The fishery is tightly regulated in the European Union to prevent overexploitation, given the species’ slow growth and late maturity, which make them vulnerable to overfishing.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mauritania | 300 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.