Top Flathead Lobster Fishing Countries

The flathead lobster, also known as the slipper lobster (family Scyllaridae), is a unique crustacean characterized by its flattened, shovel-like body and lack of prominent claws. These lobsters inhabit tropical and subtropical waters, often found on sandy or muddy sea floors. The primary countries engaged in flathead lobster fishing are in the Indo-Pacific region, with significant catches reported from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. Australia also has a notable slipper lobster fishery, particularly targeting species like Thenus orientalis, commonly known as the Moreton Bay bug. These countries harvest flathead lobsters both for domestic consumption and export, with the species prized for its sweet, delicate meat. The industry is generally composed of small-scale fishers using traps, nets, and sometimes bycatch from trawl fisheries, with management practices and levels of sustainability varying by country.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.