Top Squillids Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Squillids, commonly known as mantis shrimps, are a group of marine crustaceans prized in some regions for their sweet, lobster-like flesh. The term "Top Squillids Not Elsewhere Included" refers to mantis shrimp species that are not classified under more specific categories in global fisheries statistics. These species are primarily harvested in the Indo-Pacific region, with leading fishing countries including China, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. The fishing industry for squillids is typically small-scale and artisanal, with the catch often sold fresh in local markets or exported to meet demand in East and Southeast Asia, where mantis shrimp is considered a delicacy. In these countries, squillids are caught using trawl nets, traps, or by hand, and their harvest contributes to the livelihoods of coastal communities, though overfishing and habitat degradation pose ongoing challenges to sustainable management.

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