Aquaculture continues to grow rapidly, meeting the rising global demand for seafood. In 2024–2025, the top 10 most cultured aquatic animals dominate global production with significant contributions from Asia and other key regions. This article highlights their production volumes, leading producing countries, market prices, and future industry outlooks.
1. Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
- Global Production: Approximately 6.8 million tonnes
- Top Producers: China, Ecuador, India, Vietnam
- Average Market Price: $4 to $6 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Whiteleg shrimp remains the most widely farmed shrimp species worldwide. Advancements in disease-resistant shrimp strains and sustainable farming practices are expected to fuel continued growth in global markets.
2. Cupped Oysters (Crassostrea species)
- Global Production: Around 6.2 million tonnes
- Top Producers: China, South Korea, France
- Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per oyster
- Future Outlook: Increasing demand for cupped oysters is driven by their ecological benefits such as water purification. Sustainable oyster farming is expanding, supporting both environmental health and economic growth.
3. Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
- Global Production: Approximately 6.2 million tonnes
- Top Producers: China, India, Bangladesh
- Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Grass carp production remains stable in Asia. The species shows potential for growth in integrated aquaculture systems combining fish farming with agriculture.
4. Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
- Global Production: Estimated 5.3 million tonnes
- Top Producers: China, Egypt, Indonesia
- Average Market Price: $2 to $4 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Known for adaptability and mild taste, Nile tilapia is gaining popularity across Africa and Latin America. Expansion efforts focus on sustainable farming and improved breeding methods.
5. Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
- Global Production: Around 5.1 million tonnes
- Top Producers: China, India, Bangladesh
- Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Silver carp production primarily supports domestic consumption. Export opportunities are limited, but efforts continue to enhance feed efficiency and disease management.
6. Anchoveta (Engraulis ringens)
- Global Production: Approximately 4.9 million tonnes
- Top Producers: Peru, Chile
- Market Price: Mainly used for fishmeal; prices fluctuate based on demand
- Future Outlook: Anchoveta fishing relies heavily on sustainable management and environmental conditions, critical for maintaining long-term production levels.
7. Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
- Global Production: Estimated 4.2 million tonnes
- Top Producers: China, India, Bangladesh
- Average Market Price: $1 to $2 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Common carp farming focuses on improving disease resistance and feed conversion efficiency, supporting stable global supply.
8. Catla (Catla catla)
- Global Production: Around 3.8 million tonnes
- Top Producers: India, Bangladesh
- Average Market Price: $1.5 to $2.5 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Catla remains popular in South Asian markets. Advances in breeding technologies and integrated farming could enhance production growth.
9. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Global Production: Approximately 2.9 million tonnes
- Top Producers: Norway, Chile, UK, Canada
- Average Market Price: $7 to $12 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Atlantic salmon is a premium seafood product with strong market demand. Industry challenges include disease control and minimizing environmental impact.
10. Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
- Global Production: Estimated 2.4 million tonnes
- Top Producers: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia
- Average Market Price: $1.5 to $2.5 per kilogram
- Future Outlook: Export markets for striped catfish are expanding. Sustainable aquaculture practices are key to long-term success.
Global Aquaculture Trends in 2024–2025
- Asia’s Dominance: Asia contributes over 90% of global aquaculture production, led by China, India, and Southeast Asian countries.
- Focus on Sustainability: The aquaculture industry increasingly emphasizes eco-friendly farming techniques, disease management, and improved feed efficiency to reduce environmental footprints.
- Species Diversification: Growing seafood demand drives diversification into new aquatic species and innovative farming systems worldwide.
Conclusion
The aquaculture sector is set for sustained growth in 2024 and beyond. Key cultured species like whiteleg shrimp, tilapia, and Atlantic salmon will continue to shape global seafood supply chains. Embracing sustainability and technological innovations will be crucial for meeting future challenges and market needs.