Peanut worms, belonging to the phylum Sipuncula, are soft-bodied, unsegmented marine worms found in shallow waters worldwide, often burrowed in sand or mud. Though not a fish, peanut worms are harvested for use as fishing bait and, in some Asian countries, as a delicacy. The primary countries involved in peanut worm harvesting are China, Japan, and South Korea, where they are collected both for local consumption and export. In these countries, peanut worms are valued for their nutritional content and unique texture, and are often served in seafood dishes or used as live bait in commercial and recreational fishing. The industry is relatively small and localized compared to major fisheries, but it plays a notable role in coastal economies, especially in regions where traditional and artisanal fishing practices are prevalent.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italy | 21 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.