The Paromola, commonly known as the deep-sea crab or Paromola cuvieri, is a large, slow-growing crustacean found primarily in the deep waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This species is notable for its impressive size and distinctive habit of carrying objects, such as sponges or anemones, on its back for camouflage. The commercial harvesting of Paromola is relatively limited compared to other crustaceans, but it holds niche value in gourmet seafood markets. The top countries involved in Paromola fishing include Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where deep-sea trawling and pot fisheries target this species, particularly along the continental slopes and seamounts. These nations have developed specialized fisheries to supply local and export markets, with Spain being the leading harvester due to its extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines and established deep-sea fishing fleets. The Paromola fishery is subject to management measures to prevent overexploitation, given the species' vulnerability to intensive fishing due to its slow reproductive rate.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.