The "top mouthless land crab" is likely a misinterpretation or mistranslation, as there is no widely recognized species by this exact name in global fisheries or marine biology. However, if referring to the "Chinese mitten crab" (Eriocheir sinensis), a notable land-invading crab species, or similar terrestrial or semi-terrestrial crabs, the leading countries engaged in their harvest are primarily in East and Southeast Asia. China is the dominant player in the fishing and aquaculture of the Chinese mitten crab, which is highly prized for its roe and is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. Other countries, such as Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, also harvest various land or freshwater crabs, but on a much smaller scale compared to China. The industry is characterized by both wild capture and extensive aquaculture, with China producing tens of thousands of tons annually, much of which is consumed domestically or exported to Asian communities worldwide. These crabs typically inhabit riverbanks and estuaries, and their harvest supports both local economies and international trade, especially during the autumn harvest season.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Ecuador | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.