Top Spottail Mantis Squillid Fishing Countries

The spottail mantis squillid (Oratosquilla oratoria), commonly known as the Japanese mantis shrimp, is a burrowing crustacean found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, especially in shallow coastal waters. Recognized for its elongated body, powerful raptorial claws, and distinctive tail spots, this species is highly valued in Asian cuisine, particularly in Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam. The leading countries in harvesting spottail mantis squillid are China and Japan, where it is fished both for domestic consumption and export. China, with its extensive coastal fisheries in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, is the world’s top producer, while Japan’s fishing industry in the Seto Inland Sea and Tokyo Bay also contributes significantly to the global catch. In these countries, the mantis shrimp is caught using trawls and traps, and is sold fresh, frozen, or processed, supporting local economies and seafood markets.

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