Top Slipper Lobsters Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Slipper lobsters, grouped under the family Scyllaridae, are a distinctive type of crustacean characterized by their flattened bodies and broad, shovel-like antennae, which set them apart from the more familiar clawed lobsters. The term "Slipper Lobsters Not Elsewhere Included" refers to species within this family that are not categorized under more specific commercial groupings. These lobsters inhabit warm, shallow coastal waters, often hiding under rocks or within sandy substrates. The global slipper lobster fishery is relatively small compared to other crustacean fisheries, but it holds economic importance in certain regions. Major harvesting countries include Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where slipper lobsters are caught both for local consumption and export, particularly to East Asian markets where they are considered a delicacy. The fishing industry for these species is typically small-scale, relying on traps, nets, or hand collection by divers, and is often integrated into broader artisanal and coastal fisheries.

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