Top Right Handed Hermit Crabs Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The "Top Right Handed Hermit Crabs Not Elsewhere Included" refers to a category used in international fisheries statistics, notably by the FAO, to group hermit crab species that do not fall under more specific classifications. Hermit crabs, characterized by their asymmetrical abdomens and habit of occupying empty gastropod shells, are not true crabs but are popular in some regions for food and the aquarium trade. Major fishing countries for these hermit crabs include Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, where they are harvested both for local consumption and export. The fishing industry for hermit crabs is relatively small compared to major seafood species, but in these countries, they are often collected as bycatch in artisanal fisheries or targeted for their value in specialty markets. Sustainable management is important, as overharvesting can impact local ecosystems and the availability of suitable shells for juvenile crabs.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.