The Blue Squat Lobster (Cervimunida johni) is a small, deep-sea crustacean found primarily along the Pacific coasts of South America, particularly off Chile and Peru. Recognized for its vivid blue coloration and delicate, sweet meat, this species inhabits depths between 150 and 500 meters and is an important target for commercial fisheries. Chile is by far the leading country in harvesting Blue Squat Lobster, with a well-developed fishery that supplies both domestic and international markets, especially in Europe and Asia. Peru also maintains a significant fishery, though on a smaller scale compared to Chile. The fishing industry for Blue Squat Lobster is highly regulated, with quotas and seasonal closures implemented to ensure sustainability, as this species is vulnerable to overfishing due to its limited habitat range and slow growth rates.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 3,522 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.