The Chilean knife shrimp (Heterocarpus reedi) is a deep-water shrimp species native to the southeastern Pacific Ocean, particularly off the coast of Chile. Characterized by its elongated, reddish body and prominent rostrum, this shrimp inhabits depths between 200 and 700 meters, making it a valuable target for commercial trawl fisheries. Chile is by far the leading country in harvesting the Chilean knife shrimp, with a well-established fishery centered mainly in the regions of Coquimbo and Valparaíso. The industry is tightly regulated by Chilean authorities to ensure sustainability, with quotas and seasonal closures in place. While small quantities may be landed by neighboring countries such as Peru, Chile dominates global production, exporting both frozen and processed shrimp to international markets, particularly in Asia and Europe. The fishery is economically significant for Chile’s coastal communities, supporting jobs in both fishing and processing sectors.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 11 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.