The Chilean nylon shrimp (*Heterocarpus reedi*) is a deep-water crustacean native to the southeastern Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coast of Chile. Characterized by its reddish-pink coloration and long, slender body, this shrimp inhabits depths between 200 and 550 meters and is highly valued for its delicate flavor and firm texture. The commercial fishery for Chilean nylon shrimp is concentrated almost exclusively in Chile, making it the top—and virtually sole—harvesting country for this species. The Chilean fishing industry developed targeted trawl fisheries for nylon shrimp in the 1980s, and today, landings are managed through quotas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability. While small quantities may be landed as bycatch in neighboring Peru, Chile remains the dominant producer, exporting much of its catch to international markets, particularly in Asia and Europe.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chile | 4,305 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.