The Top Spotted Spiny Lobster (*Panulirus guttatus*), known for its striking white-spotted, dark carapace and long, spiny antennae, is a prized crustacean found primarily in the western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea. Unlike true lobsters, it lacks large claws and is valued for its tender, flavorful tail meat. The main countries harvesting the Top Spotted Spiny Lobster are the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, where the species supports important artisanal and commercial fisheries. These nations employ traps and free-diving methods to catch the lobsters, with much of the catch exported to the United States and Europe. Sustainable management is crucial, as overfishing and habitat degradation threaten local populations, prompting regulations such as closed seasons and size limits to protect this valuable marine resource.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guadeloupe | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.