The Top Toothed Rock Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus), also known as the red king crab, is a large, spiny crustacean native to the cold waters of the North Pacific, particularly around Russia, Alaska (USA), and Norway where it has been introduced. This species is prized for its sweet, tender meat and is a major target of commercial fisheries. Russia is the leading harvester, especially in the Barents and Bering Seas, followed by the United States, where Alaska’s crab fisheries are tightly regulated to ensure sustainability. Norway has also become a significant producer after the species was introduced to its coastal waters in the 1960s, creating a lucrative export market. The fishing industry for Top Toothed Rock Crab is characterized by high economic value, strict quotas, and international competition, with these three countries dominating global supply.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.