The Japanese fan lobster (*Ibacus ciliatus*) is a distinctive flat, fan-shaped crustacean found primarily in the western Pacific Ocean, particularly around Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. This species inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms at moderate depths and is prized for its delicate, sweet meat. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvest of Japanese fan lobster are Japan and South Korea, where it is caught using trawl nets and is a valued delicacy in local cuisine. Smaller-scale fisheries also exist in Taiwan and China. While not as globally prominent as other lobster species, the Japanese fan lobster supports important regional fisheries, with Japan leading both in catch volume and market demand, often exporting to neighboring countries and high-end seafood markets.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taiwan Province of China | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.