Metapenaeus shrimps, a genus within the family Penaeidae, are small to medium-sized marine prawns found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region. These shrimps are important both ecologically and economically, commonly harvested for food and used as bait. The term "Not Elsewhere Included" (NEI) refers to Metapenaeus species that are not specified individually in fisheries statistics but are grouped together due to their similar characteristics and overlapping habitats. Major fishing countries for Metapenaeus NEI shrimps include India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Indonesia, where these shrimps are caught in coastal and estuarine waters using trawls and traditional gear. India is particularly notable as a leading harvester, with the Metapenaeus dobsoni ("karikkadi shrimp") and Metapenaeus monoceros ("speckled shrimp") being among the most commercially significant species. The industry supports local livelihoods and export markets, with much of the catch processed for both domestic consumption and international trade, especially to East Asia and the Middle East.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indonesia | 95,506 |
| 2 | Philippines | 10,238 |
| 3 | Thailand | 5,673 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 3,761 |
| 5 | Papua New Guinea | 101 |
| 6 | Taiwan Province of China | 39 |
| 7 | Brunei Darussalam | 15 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.