Charybdis crabs, a genus within the family Portunidae, are medium to large swimming crabs found in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Often referred to as "swimming crabs," Charybdis species are valued for their meat and are harvested both for local consumption and export. The category "Charybdis crabs not elsewhere included" encompasses various species within the genus that are not individually reported in official fisheries statistics. Major fishing countries for these crabs include India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, where they are caught using traps, nets, and sometimes as bycatch in trawl fisheries. These nations have developed significant industries around Charybdis crabs, supplying domestic markets and, increasingly, international demand, particularly in East Asia. Sustainable management is a growing concern, as overfishing and habitat degradation threaten some populations, prompting efforts to improve monitoring and regulation in key harvesting regions.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 24,448 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.