To investigate the chloramphenicol residue in aquatic products in 7 cities of Guangdong Province, provide reference for regulation and guidance for the consumers.Methods According to the national standard GB/T 22338-2008, chloramphenicol residues in aquatic products were determined by HPLC-MS/MS.Results The detection rate of chloramphenicol in total 150 samples was 11.33% (17/150). Unqualified samples could be found in every city. The detection rates of chloramphenicol in the aquatic products from different cities were from 5.00% to 20.00%. Compared by the species, molluscs had the highest detection rate of 36.00% (9/25). Crustaceans had the lowest detection rate of 5.56% (1/18).Conclusion Chloramphenicol residues were found in aquatic products in Guangdong Province, which may cause food safety problems and was worthy of attention.