The Mediterranean Geryon, commonly known as the red deep-sea crab (Geryon longipes or Chaceon mediterraneus), is a large, commercially valuable crustacean found on the deep continental slopes of the Mediterranean Sea. This species is prized for its sweet, firm meat and is harvested primarily using deep-sea traps and pots. The leading Mediterranean countries engaged in Geryon fishing are Spain, Italy, and Greece, with Spain’s fleet—especially based in the Alboran Sea and the western Mediterranean—being particularly active. Italy and Greece also maintain significant fisheries, targeting these crabs in deeper waters off their southern coasts. The industry is relatively small compared to other Mediterranean fisheries but is economically important for local fishing communities, with most catches destined for domestic markets and high-end restaurants. Sustainable management is a growing concern due to the species’ slow growth and vulnerability to overfishing.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 112 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.