The whitebelly prawn, scientifically known as *Penaeus indicus*, is a commercially valuable shrimp species found in the Indo-West Pacific region, recognized for its pale, translucent body and sweet, delicate flavor. This prawn is a staple in both wild fisheries and aquaculture, with its demand driven by global markets for seafood. The top whitebelly prawn fishing countries include India, which is the leading harvester due to its extensive coastal waters and developed aquaculture sector, followed by countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand. These nations have established robust fishing and farming industries for whitebelly prawns, contributing significantly to their economies through both domestic consumption and export. Sustainable management and technological advancements in aquaculture have allowed these countries to maintain high production levels, although they face ongoing challenges related to overfishing, disease outbreaks, and environmental impacts.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guyana | 1,436 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.