The Red Sea mantis shrimp, primarily identified as *Erugosquilla massavensis*, is a strikingly colorful and aggressive crustacean native to the Red Sea and adjacent waters. Renowned for its powerful claws that can break shells and even aquarium glass, this mantis shrimp is a sought-after delicacy and bait species in regional fisheries. The main countries engaged in the commercial harvest of the Red Sea mantis shrimp are Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, where artisanal and small-scale fisheries target this species using traps and trawl nets. While not as globally prominent as other shrimp fisheries, the mantis shrimp industry in these countries supplies local seafood markets and, to a lesser extent, exports to Mediterranean and Asian markets where mantis shrimp are prized for their unique flavor and texture. Sustainable management is increasingly important as demand grows and fishing pressures intensify in the Red Sea region.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 542 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.