Top Giant River Prawn Fishing Countries

The Giant River Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), also known as the giant freshwater prawn, is a large, fast-growing crustacean native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly the rivers and estuaries of South and Southeast Asia. It is highly valued for its tender meat and is a significant species in both wild fisheries and aquaculture. The top countries harvesting Giant River Prawn are China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, where the species is farmed extensively in freshwater ponds and river systems. China and India lead global production, with robust aquaculture industries that have developed advanced breeding and farming techniques. Thailand and Vietnam also contribute significantly, exporting large quantities to international markets. These countries have capitalized on the prawn’s adaptability to diverse freshwater environments, making the Giant River Prawn a cornerstone of their inland fisheries and a vital source of income and protein for local populations.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Indonesia13,061
2Philippines688

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