The Spanner Crab (Ranina ranina), known for its distinctive red, spade-shaped shell and long, flattened claws, is a prized crustacean found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This species is primarily harvested for its sweet, delicate meat, making it a valuable catch for commercial fisheries. Australia stands out as the leading country in Spanner Crab fishing, particularly along the eastern coast of Queensland and New South Wales, where a well-managed, quota-based fishery supports both domestic consumption and export markets. Other countries with notable Spanner Crab fisheries include the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where the species is caught by small-scale fishers using traps or nets. While Spanner Crab fishing is not as widespread or industrialized as other crab fisheries, these nations have developed targeted fisheries that contribute significantly to local economies and seafood markets.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thailand | 308 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.