Hydrozoans are a diverse class of small, predatory animals related to jellyfish and corals, commonly found in both marine and freshwater environments. While not as widely targeted as finfish or crustaceans, certain hydrozoans—most notably the edible jellyfish species—are harvested in significant quantities, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. Countries such as China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are the top hydrozoan fishing nations, focusing primarily on species like *Rhopilema esculentum* and *Nemopilema nomurai*. These jellyfish are valued for their culinary uses, especially in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, where they are processed and exported in salted or dried forms. The hydrozoan fishing industry in these countries is typically seasonal and supports coastal communities, with China leading global production due to its extensive coastline and established processing infrastructure.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.