Top 83 Shellfishes
in the World

Mejillón de Galicia are the fresh mussels (lat. Mytilus galloprovincialis), cultivated using rafts in the area of the Galician rías in the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra. These mussels have bright orange flesh and are very flavorful. They are grown in the traditional way using rafts on which the mussels grow on the ropes that are suspended up to 12 meters deep below the surface. Once harvested, mejillón de Galicia are thoroughly inspected according to the strict set of rules and guidelines. They are then either in the vacuum-packed or packaged in a controlled atmosphere to ensure freshness and preserve the flavor. Expand

American lobster (lat. Homarus americanu), also known as Maine lobster, Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, true lobster, northern lobster, and Canadian Reds, is considered the heaviest crustacean in the world, and can be found along the Atlantic coast of North America. It usually reaches 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) and there are several color variants, but it's typically blueish green or brown-red. It displays the pearliest meat that is succulent, juicy, and tender when gently boiled, steamed, or grilled with some hot, melted butter and a drizzle of lemon juice. American lobster is so prized that it regularly gets exported to luxury restaurants across the globe. The meat is also a base for many chowders, bisques, and salads, and a key ingredient in another Maine specialty - the lobster roll, where the cooked meat gets brushed with melted butter and stuffed into long hot dog rolls with their tops cut off, a delicacy that is both soft and succulent. The largest one ever caught in Maine measured 36 inches from tail to nose, so it is no wonder that the American lobster is considered to be one of the biggest and best lobsters one can taste, regarding both texture and flavor.Expand

Coquille Saint-Jacques des Côtes-d'Armor are scallops of the pecten maximus species that are sold whole, either fresh or frozen in their shells. They come from the seabed in the Côtes-d'Armor region, famous for its fish products since the 1960s. The scallops are caught in the wintertime, their taste is complex, at the same time sweet and salty and their texture is delicately creamy. When fresh, they are quite firm and have a pleasant smell but when they are out of the shell they will become softer and lose some of their moisture. As they are very versatile in cooking, they can be paired with a wide variety of products such as mushrooms, wine, butter, used in gratins or baked with cheese for a tasty appetizer.Expand

Dungeness crab is a common crab found in the Pacific Northwest and off the coast of Washington. This large crustacean is heavier than most crabs and around 25% of its weight is pure meat. It's caught during the winter and until July in one-way door cages called pots. This crab is usually steamed or boiled whole, and the firm-textured meat with a sweet, mild, and nutty flavor is picked afterwards. The meat can be used in salads, crab cakes, stews, bisques, dips, and pasta dishes. It's also sometimes used in a spicy curry, which is then served with steamed rice on the side. Interestingly, Dungeness crab is high in protein and rich in zinc, selenium, and vitamin B12. The name comes from the Dungeness Spit, a sandy stretch of land in Northwest Washington.Expand

The warm waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast are home to the state’s quintessential seafood delicacy - the stone crab. This small crustacean has a smooth, red-brownish shell with a pair of hefty claws which are packed with sweet, flaky, and delicate meat. Stone crab’s meaty claws are the primary target when harvesting this crustacean between mid-October and mid-May. Live stone crabs have their claws removed skillfully, and they are then released into the water to regrow them within the span of 1 or 2 years. The crab claws need to be cooked immediately upon removal because they’ll spoil otherwise. Boiled, chilled, and cracked stone crab claws make for perfect finger food, and they're usually accompanied by a creamy mustard-based dipping sauce on the side, although they can also be used to make a hearty stone crab chowder.Expand

Nordseekrabben, scientifically known as Crangon crangon, are a variety of small shrimps that inhabit the North Sea off the coasts of Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Known by various names in Germany, including nordseegarnelen or porre, these shrimps are recognizable for their brownish or gray color as well as their tender flesh, which is said to have a distinctively sweet, mildly spicy, and delicate flavor. Commonly referred to as brown shrimps, the shrimps have five pairs of thoracic legs and no pincers, and besides burrowing in sand, they have also developed an ability to change their coloration when avoiding predators. Considered a seafood delicacy, these succulent and crispy shrimps are typically enjoyed tucked in bread rolls or in a rye sandwich, paired with fresh salads and spicy dressings. They are also used in the preparation of a variety of decadent, yet elegant cocktails. Peeled and frozen nordseekrabben are regularly available in most supermarkets across the country.Expand

Moules de Bouchot de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel are fresh mussels of the Mytilus edulis species, farmed on the high wooden stakes placed in water in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel between the regions of Ille et Vilaine and Manche in France. The mussels have hard, black shells and big, orange flesh on the inside. It is one of the gastronomic gems of the region, farmed since 1954, and today there is a fascinating 270 kilometers of mussel lines. The season in which they are harvested lasts from July until February. The flesh is delicately soft and creamy, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. These mussels are best enjoyed with white wine and selected herbs, in risottos or creamy sauces. Expand

Centolla fueguina is an exceptionally flavored crustacean of the crab family Lithodes santolla, also known as Southern king crab or Tierra del Fuego crab, native across the southern coasts of Argentina and Chile. The best-known fishing grounds with the highest quality of crab are found in the Beagle Channel in the south of Argentina. The crab’s sweet, delicately flavored meat found in the long legs and the red, spiky shell is widely regarded as one of the best crab meat in the world. A gastronomic delight, centolla fueguina is undisputedly one of the most famous regional delicacies of the Tierra del Fuego province, served in restaurants all over the region. Once removed from the cold water, the crab has to be prepared or frozen immediately as its meat is very delicate and highly susceptible to deterioration. Its natural flavor shows off best when cooked plain, with no added flavors or sauces, but it is nonetheless used in the preparation of a variety of delicious crab dishes, such as crab gratins, casseroles, ceviche dishes, tarts, or crêpes, to name a few.Expand

Traditionally farmed in bays, inlets, and sheltered estuaries, Sydney rock oyster was the first aquaculture species in Australia. The oyster has a thick, smooth shell, while the flesh is silky and tender with a distinctively strong flavor. Available all-year round, it is best enjoyed fresh, with a splash of lemon juice and a dash of pepper, but it can withstand various culinary techniques such as steaming, poaching, grilling, or frying.Expand

Camarão da Costa Negra (Black Coast shrimp) is a shrimp cultivated in captivity. It is produced in the municipalities of Itarema, Acaraú, Cruz, and Jijoca de Jericoacoara. Camarão da Costa Negra is high in protein content and has a sweet flavor due to the geographical environment of the region and human factors involved in the cultivation. The water used in the tanks comes from the River Acarau, which is rich in nutrients and, therefore, these shrimps have a similar flavor to that of crustaceans living in the sea. It is an all-natural product, free of antibiotics or any other chemicals. The shrimps are obtained every three months from 32 farms, and the annual production reaches 9,000 tons. Almost all of the production (99%) is sold on the domestic market, in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia, while only 1% is exported. These numbers are going to change because the Black Coast shrimp is getting more attention each year on the global level. There are also annual International Black Shrimp Festival and Grand Shrimp festival that promote this delicacy.Expand

​Prince Edward Aqua Farms is renowned for producing premium shellfish, particularly their Island Gold Blue Mussels, which have earned international acclaim for their delicate flavor and nutritional value. Cultivated in the pristine natural bays of Prince Edward Island, these mussels are rope-grown, resulting in top-quality, hearty meats harvested year-round. ​ The company is committed to environmental stewardship, implementing sustainable practices across all operations. This dedication is exemplified by their Ocean Wise certification, assuring consumers that their products are an environmentally responsible seafood choice. ​Beyond mussels, Prince Edward Aqua Farms offers a diverse selection of shellfish, including oysters, clams, and quahogs, all cultivated and harvested with the same meticulous attention to quality. Their modern processing facilities and skilled team ensure that each product meets the highest standards of freshness and excellence. ​Expand

Lobsters 'R' Us is a respected seafood producer specializing in the supply of premium live lobsters and snow crab. Their commitment to excellence at every stage of the process—from harvest to delivery—ensures freshness, safety, and authentic ocean flavor. Through close collaboration with local fishers and the use of state-of-the-art storage facilities, the company maintains ideal conditions to preserve the natural quality of its products. Energy-efficient technology and an advanced traceability system guarantee consistent quality and full transparency in every shipment. Lobsters 'R' Us products are recognized for their exceptional taste and texture, highly valued in both domestic and international markets. With a strong focus on sustainability, precision, and reliability, the company stands as a trusted name in the world of premium seafood.Expand

Finest At Sea is a true symbol of premium quality, responsible fishing, and the authentic flavors of Canada’s West Coast. As a company driven by passionate fishers, experts, and ocean enthusiasts, Finest At Sea brings only 100% wild-caught seafood to the market—carefully selected and processed with the utmost respect for nature. Their philosophy is rooted in sustainability, transparency, and excellence—from ocean to plate. By controlling every step of the process, from their own fleet to in-house processing and distribution, Finest At Sea guarantees products of uncompromising quality. Finest At Sea is more than just a producer—it is a vision that blends traditional fishing craftsmanship with a modern commitment to ocean conservation and culinary excellence. Their mission is simple: to deliver the finest seafood directly from the ocean, with deep respect for the environment and a true understanding of quality.Expand

Atlantic Aqua Farms is a Canadian company that specializes in the cultivation, processing, and distribution of mussels on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The company is recognized as one of the leaders in the aquaculture industry, with a strong commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Atlantic Aqua Farms offers a wide range of mussels, including fresh and frozen packages, as well as high-oxidation packaging that extends product freshness, allowing customers to enjoy the finest seafood. In addition to mussels, the company also focuses on the cultivation of high-quality oysters from Prince Edward Island. Atlantic Aqua Farms produces oysters under its own brands such as Barstool Cocktails, Sweet Island Kiss, Naked Islanders, and Chappell Creek. When it comes to mussels, the company is known for its brands Canadian Cove Mussels and Confederation Cove Mussels. All products are produced to the highest quality standards, with farming methods that employ the latest ecological and sustainable practices, minimizing the impact on the marine ecosystem.Expand

Seacore Seafood is a family-owned business based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, specializing in the processing of fresh and frozen seafood. Established in 1987, Seacore Seafood has become one of the leading companies in the seafood industry in Canada. The company takes pride in its dedicated approach to quality and sustainability, providing its customers with seafood that is highly rated for its freshness and flavor. Seacore Seafood offers a wide range of products, including crabs, bass, salmon, shellfish, and many other types of fish and seafood. In addition to fresh products, Seacore also offers frozen options, which undergo rigorous standards to preserve their nutritional value and flavor. Through its dedicated work and high-quality products, Seacore continues to be a trusted partner for many restaurants, retailers, and seafood distributors across Canada.Expand

Carlingford Oyster Company is an Irish seafood producer specializing in oysters. The company is based in Carlingford, a coastal town in County Louth, Ireland. Their oysters are cultivated in Carlingford Lough, an area known for its clean and nutrient-rich waters, which contribute to the oysters' distinctive flavor. Carlingford Oyster Company supplies both domestic and international markets, adhering to high-quality and sustainability standards.Expand

Ekone Premium Tinned Seafood is a brand specializing in high-quality canned seafood, owned and operated by the Taylor family, known for Taylor Shellfish Farms. This family farm focuses on shellfish cultivation with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental preservation. Their product range includes renowned smoked oysters, famous for their freshness and perfect taste. These oysters are harvested at their peak and then smoked in traditional methods, resulting in a rich and complex flavor. In addition to oysters, Ekone offers other products such as smoked mussels, tuna, salmon, and octopus, all carefully packed in environmentally friendly cans. The seafood is carefully harvested, smoked, and hand-packed at their family cannery in the Pacific Northwest. They pride themselves on sustainability and traceability, ensuring that each product is of the highest quality. In addition to smoked oysters, Ekone offers a range of tinned seafood including mussels, tuna, salmon, and octopus.Expand

Atlantic Edge Oysters, operated by Tethys Oysters Ltd, is located in Haverfordwest, Wales. The company specializes in cultivating and harvesting premium oysters in the pristine waters surrounding Pembrokeshire. They employ sustainable aquaculture practices to ensure the health of both their oysters and the local marine environment. Atlantic Edge Oysters is involved in the full production cycle from seed to harvest, providing fresh, high-quality oysters to their customers.Expand

Achill Oysters is a seafood producer located on Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland. The company specializes in cultivating and harvesting Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the pristine waters surrounding the island. Achill Oysters practices sustainable aquaculture to ensure the quality and environmental responsibility of their products.Expand