Sculptured shrimps, often grouped under the family Palaemonidae and related families, are a diverse group of decapod crustaceans found in both marine and freshwater environments. These shrimps are characterized by their ornate, sculpted exoskeletons and are important both ecologically and economically. The main countries harvesting sculptured shrimps—classified as "not elsewhere included" (NEI) in FAO statistics—are China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These nations dominate global shrimp production due to their extensive coastal and estuarine habitats, advanced aquaculture industries, and high domestic and export demand. The fishing industry for sculptured shrimps in these countries includes both wild capture and aquaculture, with significant portions of the catch exported to markets in North America, Europe, and Japan. The industry supports millions of livelihoods but also faces challenges related to overfishing, habitat loss, and the need for sustainable management practices.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russian Federation | 50 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.