Top Freshwater Crustaceans Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The category "Freshwater Crustaceans Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) encompasses a variety of freshwater crustacean species, such as crayfish (also called crawfish or crawdads), freshwater prawns (notably Macrobrachium species), and other lesser-known crustaceans that do not fall under more specific FAO categories like freshwater shrimp or crabs. These species are harvested both from the wild and through aquaculture. Major fishing and producing countries include China, which dominates global freshwater crustacean production, especially through extensive aquaculture of species like the Chinese mitten crab and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Other significant producers are the United States (notably for wild and farmed crayfish in Louisiana), Egypt, Thailand, and Vietnam, where freshwater prawn farming is well-developed. The industry supports local economies through both domestic consumption and export, with crayfish and freshwater prawns being prized for their culinary value in regional cuisines. The sector is characterized by a mix of small-scale, artisanal fishing and large-scale aquaculture operations, contributing to food security and rural livelihoods in producing countries.

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