The giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) is a deep-sea crustacean prized for its large size, vibrant red color, and delicate, flavorful meat. Found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea, eastern Atlantic Ocean, and parts of the Indian Ocean, this species inhabits muddy seabeds at depths between 200 and 1,000 meters. The top fishing countries targeting giant red shrimp are Italy, Spain, and Tunisia, with significant landings also reported from Greece and Morocco. These countries have developed specialized trawl fisheries to harvest the shrimp, which are highly valued in both domestic and export markets, particularly for gourmet cuisine. Sustainable management is a growing concern, as overfishing and bycatch threaten the long-term viability of giant red shrimp stocks, prompting international cooperation and stricter regulations in recent years.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Italy | 1,896 |
2 | Albania | 52 |
3 | Malta | 40 |
4 | Spain | 8 |
5 | Portugal | 4 |
6 | Cyprus | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.