Lake prawns, commonly referring to freshwater prawn species such as the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), are highly valued in global aquaculture and fisheries. These prawns are native to South and Southeast Asia but are now farmed and harvested in many tropical and subtropical regions. The leading countries in lake prawn fishing and aquaculture include China, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam, where the species is both wild-caught from inland lakes and rivers and extensively cultivated in freshwater ponds. These nations have developed robust prawn industries, contributing significantly to local economies and global seafood markets. The industry is characterized by a mix of traditional fishing methods and modern aquaculture practices, with China and India being particularly dominant due to their vast freshwater resources and investment in aquaculture technology.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 3,171 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.