The Velvet Fan Lobster (Ibacus spp.), also known as slipper lobster, is a distinctive crustacean recognized for its flat, fan-shaped body and velvety texture. Unlike the more familiar clawed lobsters, the Velvet Fan Lobster is found primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting sandy and muddy sea floors at moderate depths. The top countries engaged in harvesting this species are Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where they are caught both as a targeted species and as bycatch in trawl fisheries. Australia, in particular, has developed a regulated fishery for slipper lobsters, exporting much of its catch to Asian markets where the species is prized for its sweet, delicate meat. Indonesia and the Philippines also contribute significantly to the global supply, with local consumption and export markets driving the industry. The fishing of Velvet Fan Lobster is often small-scale but plays an important role in the livelihoods of coastal communities within these countries.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.