Hydroids and hydromedusae are small, gelatinous marine organisms belonging to the class Hydrozoa, related to jellyfish. Unlike more commercially prominent seafood, hydroids and hydromedusae are not widely targeted by global fisheries for direct human consumption. However, in some regions, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, certain species of hydromedusae are harvested for use in traditional cuisine and as a source of collagen. China is the leading country in the harvesting of edible jellyfish, including some hydrozoan species, with smaller fisheries present in countries like Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. The industry is niche and often overlaps with broader jellyfish fisheries, rather than being a distinct large-scale operation. Most hydroids are not fished commercially but play a significant ecological role as prey and habitat for other marine species.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.