The pelagic red crab (Pleuroncodes planipes) is a small, bright red crustacean found predominantly in the eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly off the coasts of Mexico, Central America, and occasionally California. These crabs form massive swarms near the ocean surface and are an important food source for marine life, as well as a target for commercial fisheries. The primary countries engaged in pelagic red crab fishing are Mexico and, to a lesser extent, the United States (mainly California). Mexico leads the industry, with its fisheries centered around Baja California, where the crabs are harvested for use as animal feed, bait, and increasingly for human consumption due to their high protein content. The U.S. harvest is smaller and more opportunistic, often linked to years when ocean currents bring large swarms close to shore. The industry is notable for its reliance on sustainable practices, as the species' rapid reproduction and swarming behavior make it a resilient fishery resource.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.