Shrimp are America’s most size, reaching five inches in total typically black near the base with valuable and probably most length. The species occasionally bright yellow and green margins, popular seafood. Whole cultures supports a large commercial while brown shrimp tails have red, and maritime communities are fishery off Florida’s East Coast, dark green and occasionally light based solely on these . but since they usually occur in blue pigmentations. Pink shrimp South Carolina has two important 15 to 30 fathoms (90 to 180 ft.), almost always have an azure color penaeid shrimp species, brown they are of no recreational value. on the tail and they usually have shrimp ( aztecus) An inshore called the a dark red spot on the side of the and white shrimp (Litopenaeus mantis shrimp (it’s not a true abdomen. setiferus). A third species, the pink shrimp) is frequently identified Brown and pink shrimps have shrimp (Litopenaeus duorarum), incorrectly as the rock shrimp. The grooves along the upper midline of is relatively scarce. Methods mantis shrimp, or stomatopod, is a the head and the upper midline of of harvest range from large flattened crustacean that has front the lower region of the abdomen. commercial shrimp trawlers to cast legs modified into long, stabbing The grooves on pink shrimp are nets and drop nets. appendages. Though mantis slightly narrower than those of Some long-time residents of the shrimps may be eaten, the meat brown shrimp. White shrimp do Lowcountry of South Carolina may yield is small and of rather poor not have grooves and typically state that they prefer the flavor quality. have much longer antennae and a of one species over another, but long rostrum (horn). taste tests would probably show ldentification of Shrimp that few people can distinguish Species Life History one species from another by taste All three of the edible shrimp All penaeid shrimps have much alone. Some experts claim that species look very similiar but the same life cycle. Spawning white shrimp taste better than the can be distinguished by careful usually occurs in the ocean from other species, but the difference is examination of tail colors and near the beaches to several miles subtle. subtle body features. Placed side offshore. A single female produces On the East Coast of the United by side, fresh white shrimp appear between 500,000 and 1,000,000 States, the edible shrimp species lighter in body color than brown eggs and may spawn several times. found in South Carolina occur in or pink shrimps, thus the origin of Chesapeake Bay and farther north, the common names. Tail flippers but the northernmost shrimp (uropods) on white shrimp are fishery is in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Other small shrimps are eye carapace 1st abdominal segment very abundant in South Carolina’s rostrum 2nd abdominal segment waters but are of no commercial 3rd abdominal segment or recreational value. Among the 4th abdominal segment most common of these are grass 5th abdominal segment shrimp, or hardbacks, which are 6th abdominal segment often seen jumping in tidal creeks and easily confused with the small antennae juveniles of the food shrimps. telson A species called the rock shrimp occurs in South Carolina’s offshore waters. Rock shrimp, so named because of their thick, hard uropods walking legs (5 pairs) shells, grow to a relatively large swimming legs (5 pairs) During mating, the male the post-larval stage after about juvenile white shrimp are known transfers a packet of sperm, called two weeks. Postlarvae look to remain in the saltmarsh grass a spermatophore, to the female. like miniature versions of adult until they are ready to move Brown and pink shrimps mate shrimp. White and pink postlarvae seaward. when the female’s exoskeleton is are about 1/4 inch and brown Both brown and white shrimp still soft immediately after molting. postlarvae are about 1/2 inch in seem to prefer muddy bottom The spermatophore is covered length when they enter the coastal but pink shrimp appear to do over by two “plates” that hold it inlets. Brown shrimp postlarvae best on a sand/shell bottom. The in place. Spawning in the species are thought to remain in the ocean predominance of mud bottoms may take place days later. Mating bottom sediments during the in South Carolina’s estuaries is of white shrimp occurs between winter. As ocean temperatures rise probably why pink shrimp, two “intermolt” (hard exoskeleton) in late February and March, these juveniles and adults, are scarce, individuals. The spermatophore postlarvae apparently become although their postlarvae are is glued to the underside of the active and ride tidal currents relatively common. females and spawning occurs into the estuaries. White shrimp almost immediately. Eggs, which postlarvae move into the estuaries Growth are fertilized as they are ejected about two weeks following Growth is very rapid while in past the spermatophore, are spawning, usually in late May and the nursery habitat, up to 2 to 2 thought to sink to the ocean floor June. The transport mechanisms 1/2 inches per month. Shrimp, like and after about 12 to 24 hours that carry postlarvae into the all other , must molt hatch into minute larvae that move estuaries are not fully understood, (shed the old exoskeleton) in order into the water column. but it seems that the postlarvae will to grow. Small shrimp may molt Large concentrations of become active and move up into several times per week, but as spawning brown shrimp have the water column during flood tide they become larger, time between never been observed, although and settle to the bottom during molts becomes greater. Ideal some commercial shrimpers ebb tide. Thus, this behavior nursery habitat has brackish water have reported finding dozens moves postlarvae farther inshore that is about 25 to 40 percent sea and sometimes hundreds of every tidal cycle until they settle water for white shrimp and 35 to “roe” brown shrimp in catches out in the nutrient-rich tidal creeks 65 percent sea water for brown during October and November, and marshes. shrimp. Shrimp have been known which appears to be the primary Natural mortality rates are to do well, however, in water that spawning period. Some spawning extremely high for larval and was near 100 percent sea water seems to occur during late winter juvenile shrimp. Probably less than (such as in Murrell’s Inlet) or in 10 or early spring because of the one or two percent of the eggs percent sea water (such as in the scattered presence of a few spawned will survive to be adult Cooper River near Charleston). postlarvae in May and June. shrimp. Of the shrimp that reach an The spawning season for white adult size, most die before they’re shrimp during spring is obvious Nursery Habitat eight or nine months old. The by the large catches of mature Postlarval shrimp seem to settle size record for white shrimp (just shrimp by the commercial fleet. out in the shallow waters in the over ten inches) was caught by a The exact timing of the spawning upper ends of saltmarsh tidal commercial shrimper off Seabrook period seems to be set by water creeks. Shrimp will remain in this Island in July 1979. This individual temperature during spring, but “nursery habitat” about two or had probably been spawned in white shrimp typically spawn three months until they are about May the previous year making it during May and early June with a four inches in length. During 14 months old. It’s doubtful that few individuals spawning as late as high tide, juveniles move into the any shrimp live longer than two July and early August. marsh grass to feed and escape years. The initial larval stage, which predators. At low tide, when the looks like a tiny mite, is followed water level is below the saltmarsh Food by about 10 larval phases, reaching grass, shrimp concentrate in Stomach contents of shrimp are creek beds. The smallest shrimp difficult to identify because the remain near the creek bank while food is torn and shredded by the larger juveniles tend to be in mouth parts. Shrimp are generally deeper creek waters. If the water termed bottom-feeding omnivores, is unusually clear, shrimp will meaning that they will eat most seek the deepest areas available, organic materials - or presumably to avoid predatory plant - that they encounter at the birds, fish and crabs. In other bottom. One study suggested that Rock Shrimp regions of the Southeast where small shrimp, less than about two tides are very small or nonexistent, inches in length, indiscriminately ingest the top sediment layer. a diseased shrimp is impaired, it legs (periopods) for moving short Shrimp 2 to 2 1/2 inches select the is probably best to discard these distances. While migrating long organic portion of the sediment shrimp. distances, shrimp will use their and larger shrimp become more A second condition that has swimming legs (pleopods). These active predators, feeding on small been common along the Atlantic appendages are located under . Animals commonly listed Coast, beginning in about 1999, the abdomen and beat in unison as food are polychaete worms, is called black gill or brown gill as the shrimp swims. Studies amphipods, nematodes, crustacean disease. This disease is also caused using tags suggest that shrimp larvae, isopods, copepods, small by a single celled protozoan may be able to swim two to five fishes, grass shrimp, fiddler crabs known as an apostome. The miles in a day. The third form of and square-back crabs. Shrimp swarming stage of this parasite, movement is the tail flex. This is are also known to be cannibalistic. called a tomite, apparently a rapid contraction of the strong One researcher speculated that attaches and penetrates the gills abdominal muscles that results in a bacteria are the main living in the trophont stage. The shrimp powerful and rapid snap to the tail component in the food of shrimp. gill responds by turning brown propelling the shrimp backwards. Shrimp are thought to scavenge or black, becoming darker with White shrimp commonly use this dead animals that may be greater infection. The condition method to jump from the water. leftovers from other predators. The persists in the shrimp until it The tail snap or flick is a defensive effectiveness of bait, particularly molts and casts off its old shell, mechanism allowing a shrimp to oily fish, indicates that shrimp are which includes the outer covering quickly evade predators. able to home in on odors. of the gill. Black gill disease usually shows up in mid August, Offshore Migration Disease peaks in September and slowly As shrimp become larger, they Several diseases are known wanes in October. The disease leave the brackish waters and to affect shrimp. One of the apparently does not directly cause move gradually toward the higher most common is called cotton mortality, although laboratory salinity waters of the ocean. Most disease, which is caused by a studies have confirmed that it shrimp probably leave the marsh single cell protozoan parasite impairs respiration thus reducing creeks during ebb tides and this called a microsporidian. These the shrimp’s endurance. This may be more pronounced at night. tiny animals invade various tissues may, in turn, make the shrimp Shrimp usually begin moving into of the shrimp and can cause the more vulnerable to predators coastal rivers when they reach affected areas to appear grey or or temperature extremes. The about 4 inches in length. Further white. The affected areas may be parasite is not a danger to humans growth occurs in the rivers until confined only to the head or the but may cause shrimp to appear the shrimp are ready to move reproductive system. However, less appealing. into the lower reaches of sounds, the disease is often in the entire In the 1980s massive die offs of bays and river mouths. These musculature resulting in what shrimp in mariculture farm ponds lower reaches, termed staging is commonly called the cotton around the world led to new areas by some biologists, serve to condition. Cotton disease has been understanding about the impacts accumulate shrimp just prior to noted in white and brown shrimp of pathogenic viruses on shrimp. dispersal into the ocean. When but seems to be most common It is now known that viruses are white shrimp are in the staging in white shrimp. It is also usually relatively common and can cause limited to larger individuals, but mortalities. These problems, small shrimp have also become however, seem to be most acute infected. At times the infection when they occur in intensive rate for severe cases may reach shrimp farming operations. Shrimp 10 or 15 percent. Minor infection, viruses pose no danger to humans with shrimp having small specks of and no evidence indicates that diseased tissue, may reach levels the wild stocks of South Carolina of 70 or 80 percent, but these have been negatively affected by specks are usually isolated to the viruses. However, DNR requires head. Large individuals with cotton that any imported live shrimp must disease often have what appears to be certified as free of diseases of be dark blue or black bands across concern. the abdomen. This seems to be an artifact of the disease. Locomotion Shrimp with cotton disease Shrimp have three primary are not thought to be harmful if modes of locomotion. While eaten by humans. Because the feeding or resting on the bottom, texture and possibly the flavor of shrimp will use their walking Mantis Shrimp areas, many will move into the Extreme environmental shrimp appear to remain in the shallow peripheral areas to feed conditions such as droughts or estuaries until water temperature at night. Brown shrimp do not unusually warm fall weather may falls to about 60-65˚F and then appear to do this to the extent of result in delaying emigration of migration seems to occur primarily white shrimp, preferring to remain white shrimp into the ocean. during the large tides associated in deeper waters at night. In years Tagged white shrimp released with new and full moons. Some when shrimp are very abundant, into coastal waters of South experienced shrimpers claim they may migrate into the ocean Carolina in September have that the condition known as red at a size of about 4 to 5 inches been observed to remain in the legs is indicative of the onset of in length. When not abundant, estuaries for two months or more migration. This phenomenon has however, average size of shrimp before moving seaward. Heavy not been investigated scientifically. may be 6 inches or more before rainfall or river discharge along they leave the estuaries. The with the accompanying drops in Harvesting difference in size between the water salinity (salt content of the The Commercial Fishery years of high stock abundance water) have been known to cause The commercial fishery in and low abundance seems to be shrimp to move into the ocean South Carolina is dominated by related to what is called density- prematurely. shrimp trawlers, which may range dependent growth. When large In a wet year, the majority of the in length from 17 to 85 feet. concentrations of shrimp are in white shrimp may move into the The larger boats are the most the tidal creeks, growth rates are ocean in August, about a month recognizable and account for most reduced. This may be caused ahead of normal. The result would of the shrimp caught in the fishery. by competition for limited food be a poor shrimp baiting season Trawling is allowed only in the resources or each shrimp may be and poor harvest by commercial ocean, except for limited periods spending more time protecting its trawlers in October, normally one during fall when trawlers may work space instead of feeding. Heavy of the better months for shrimping. in the lower areas of Winyah and rainfall, resulting in very low The areas typically most severely North Santee Bays. Most shrimpers salinities, can force juvenile shrimp affected are Charleston Harbor work within three or four miles of from nursery areas. When forced and Winyah Bay, which receive the beach. into the inhospitable open-water relatively large amounts of upstate The commercial shrimp trawling areas, growth and survival rates are river discharge. fishery has three basic seasons. poorer because of less available Without significant rainfall and/or The first is the so-called roe food and suitable habitat. river discharge during fall, white shrimp season in May or June. Shrimp Life Cycle

1. Eggs Shrimp eggs are thought to sink to the bottom at the time of spawning. Egg diameter is less than 1/64 in. Most spawning is believed to occur in high salinity oceanic waters

5. Postlarva 7. Sub-adults 2. Nauplius The two postlarval stages for white shrimp are Sub-adults move into the deeper waters of the There are five naupliar stages. The first stage about 1/6 to 1/4 in. Brown shrimp postlarvae estuaries and may remain there for a month is about the size of the egg and succeeding are larger, up to 1/2 in. The walking and or more before moving seaward. These shrimp stages are slightly larger. Nauplii have limited swimming legs have developed and the continue to grow but at a slower rate than swimming ability and usually are a part of the postlarvae appear as miniature shrimp. The juveniles. Sub-adults usually do not exhibit any oceanic plankton. second postlarval stage rides the flood tides signs of ovarian maturity into the estuaries, apparently becoming active during flood tide and settling to the bottom during ebb tides. The postlarvae ultimately settle in the upper parts of tidal creeks. 3. Protozoea The three protozoeal stages range in size from 1/25 to 1/12 in. These planktonic forms are found in oceanic waters. Protozoea have undergone development of their mouth parts and the abdomen has begun to develop. 8. Adults Adults may be 5 to 8 inches in length. Adults 6. Juvenile are usually found in the ocean, but in dry years Postlarval shrimp develop directly into may delay migration until cold weather occurs. juvenile shrimp. Growth is rapid, up to 2 1/2 Spawning females are characterized by brightly in. per month. Juveniles are similar to adults colored ovaries that can be seen under the 4. Mysis except they are characterized by a much shell on the upper side of the body. Adults may There are three mysid stages ranging in size longer rostrum (horn). Juveniles typically be found near the beaches out to 5 or 6 miles from 1/8 to 1/5 in. These are planktonic in remain in the marsh creeks until reaching from shore. Some species are known to migrate the ocean. Mysids have early development of about 4 to 4 1/2 in. before moving into the hundreds of miles along the coast. legs and antennae. deeper rivers. This season is opened when in the state’s tidal creeks. White net. The smaller mesh net was management biologists determine shrimp are first caught in the found to retain a large number of that an adequate supply of eggs creeks in late July or early August shrimp considered too small for has been spawned. The roe and have usually disappeared by food. A 3/8-inch mesh net works shrimp season is usually less than late October. The shrimp baiting well for capturing shrimp to be a month in duration and landings fishery, which targets white shrimp, used as fish bait. Casting seems are dependent upon the severity is set by law to last 60 days and to be most effective in creeks of the previous winter. Following opens at noon on the last Friday with mud bottom during low tide. mild winters, heads-off landings on or before September 15. Deeper areas, over 3 to 4 feet, are often 400 to 600 thousand Harvesting by drop nets from usually produce larger shrimp pounds. Following severe winters, docks and seawalls is most popular during daylight since shrimp avoid landings of roe shrimp are usually during the fall as larger white light. less than 50 thousand pounds and shrimp are moving seaward. Most cast nets are made of nylon often zero. Seining for shrimp can be or monofilament. The mono nets The second season is for brown expensive, but used properly, are more effective than the nylon shrimp. This fishery usually begins seines are very effective. Seines, nets but are more susceptible to in June and ends in August, may not exceed 40 feet in length damage from oyster shells. One although significant quantities of and webbing must be 1/2- inch may use a cast net from a boat, brown shrimp have been landed square mesh (1-inch stretch) or creek bank, pier or even while in October when stock abundance larger for nylon nets. For cotton wading a creek. was very high. Good years for nets, the minimum mesh size is Drop nets can be fished from brown shrimp have landings of 1.3 9/16-inch square. Law also forbids bridges, docks or seawalls. Drop to 2.0 million pounds (heads off). the blockage of more than one-half nets are used almost exclusively The fall white shrimp season is the width of any slough, creek or at night. Unlike seines and cast typically the largest except in years other waterway on any tidal stage. nets, drop nets require bait, often following severe winters. These Seines with or without tailbags in the form of smoked herring. shrimp are the offspring of the must be pulled by hand and Most drop nets are hung on a spring spawn. Landings of young- cannot be pulled by any engine- 3 or 4-foot wide hoop frame. of-the-year white shrimp by the powered boat or staked to poles. Drop nets typically do not catch commercial fleet usually begin in Pulling a seine by boat or staking large quantities of shrimp but are August and peak in September is interpreted as using commercial consistent and provide enjoyable and October. The season usually methods in a sanctuary and can and leisurely shrimping. lasts through December and into result in severe fines including January in some years. confiscation of boats and fishing Stock Fluctuations A seasonal fishery called the gear. From time to time, shrimp channel net or set net fishery The most popular and effective populations have relatively occurs in Winyah and North way to pull a seine is to pull with dramatic fluctuations in size. Santee bays. This limited fishery the falling tide. Pulling against the This has been reflected in annual usually begins in September and tide is very difficult and will not commercial shrimp landings which may be extended until December cover much bottom. Although have ranged from 1.5 to 5.7 15 if shrimp size and abundance brown and white shrimp are most million pounds. We’ll probably are adequate for commercial common in mud-bottom areas, it never be able to totally explain harvest. This fishery involves the is often impractical or impossible the fluctuations in shrimp stocks or use of anchored nets that are very to seine in such areas. Sand/shell those of any marine fishery, but we similar to shrimp trawls. They are bottoms are the most popular have determined a few of the most held open at the mouth by long areas for seining and several important relationships. wooden poles. The nets are placed productive areas of this type exist White shrimp abundance perpendicular to the tidal current along the coast. An ideal seining fluctuates more than that of brown and shrimp are captured as the area contains suitable banks or shrimp. The primary cause of these tidal current carries them seaward. sandbars for pulling nets ashore to large fluctuations is the occasional In some years, this can be a very remove shrimp. near-total loss of spawning stocks. effective fishery, with relatively Cast nets are used more The white shrimp is a subtropical high catch rates at low operating commonly than seines. Cast nets species and, being such, is costs. By-catch of fish is usually used over bait must have a mesh susceptible to cold temperatures. relatively low in this fishery. size of 1/2-inch bar mesh (one- During late fall, larger white inch stretch), but nets used without shrimp that aren’t caught by The Recreational Fishery bait have no restrictions. A study recreational or commercial The recreational harvest of found that a 1/2-inch mesh net fishermen migrate south as far as brown shrimp by cast nets and was just as effective in capturing Cape Canaveral, Florida. This has seines usually starts in early June usable shrimp as a 3/8-inch mesh been repeatedly documented by tagging studies. Unfortunately, with brown shrimp since the Mariculture Center near Bluffton most of these shrimp are caught immigration of postlarvae every are providing technical assistance before they have an opportunity year seems to be relatively to several companies that are to return north the next spring constant. The best years for brown growing shrimp in ponds in the (assuming they would if allowed). shrimp seem to be those with state. The preferred species for Therefore, we in South Carolina relatively mild spring temperatures culture is the Pacific Coast white are dependent upon the small that allow brown shrimp to begin shrimp, vannamei. This white shrimp that overwinter in growing soon after moving into the species grows faster than the local our estuaries to be our primary nursery habitat. Brown shrimp are shrimp species, but creation of a spawning stock. During winters in thought to grow and survive best in local hatchery could entice farmers which water temperature falls to water salinities slightly higher than to use the native species. 46˚F or below for seven or more half strength seawater. Unusually days, most of the overwintering wet spring and early summer Conservation brood stock are wiped out. weather probably has detrimental As more and more people move In some years, cold-related effects on brown shrimp. to the coast, pressure on our mortalities have been noted as Many other factors may affect shrimp resource will continue to far south as the Georgia-Florida abundance of both species. increase. To ensure that citizens, border. Following cold kills, the roe These may include abundance both commercial and recreational, shrimp harvest is usually less than of predators or food availability. will continue to have an ample 50,000 pounds and often zero. Fall Some fish species and blue crabs supply of shrimp, everyone commercial landings also suffer, are known to feed heavily upon must take steps to conserve the being less than 20 percent of the shrimp. Availability of healthy resource. It is important that no long-term average. habitat and clean water are also shrimp be wasted. Shrimpers If an adequate number of thought to be important for good should utilize all shrimp that they spawners is present, the next most shrimp production. Unfavorable catch, and if shrimp are too small, important factor for white shrimp winds could transport larvae away larger mesh nets should be used abundance seems to be water from the coast or heavy predation or shrimping activities should be salinity in the nursery habitat in on larvae by a concentration of postponed until shrimp grow to August and perhaps July. Low jellyfish, for example, could have a useable size. Those individuals landings seem to be related to serious effects. who catch more than their fair unusually dry summers resulting in share of the resource not only higher than average salinity values. Aquaculture violate the law but may force However, unusually wet summers Scientists in South Carolina fishery managers to create tighter can be detrimental also. Moderate are among the world’s leaders restrictions for all users. The legal rainfall and river discharge appear in investigations into the culture daily limit for shrimp is 48 quarts to create ideal conditions for of marine shrimp. Some of the (heads-on) or 29 quarts (heads-off) white shrimp in most of the state’s first studies in the United States per boat or seining party. coastal marshes. were conducted in the 1950s at The number of spawners the old Bears Bluff laboratories. does not seem to be a problem Today, researchers at the Waddell

Our mission is to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources.

Our vision for South Carolina is an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations through improved understanding, wise use, and safe enjoyment of healthy, diverse, sustainable and accessible natural resources. Our vision for the DNR is to be a trusted and respected leader in natural resources protection and management, by consistently making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state’s natural resources and its people. This publication was made possible in part by funds from the sale of the South Carolina •estuary Saltwater Recreational Fishing The part of the wide, lower course of a river where the current License and the U.S. Fish is met by tides of the ocean. and Wildlife Service Sportfish •emigration Restoration Fund. The South To migrate from an area: shrimp emigrate from the estuary as Carolina Department of Natural they become adults. Resources publishes an annual Rules and Regulations booklet •fishing mortality that lists all saltwater fishing The death of aquatic animals resulting from fishing efforts by man. regulations. Have an enjoyable fishing trip by reading these •fishing pressure requirements before you fish. The collective amount of fishing activity that affects aquatic animals.

Author: J. David Whitaker, •immigration Marine Resources Division The migration of animals into an area: postlarval shrimp immigrate into an estuary from the ocean.

•natural mortality The death of animal life through natural causes; e.g. predation, disease, natural environmental stress, etc.

•periopods On shrimp, the five pair of walking legs used in locomotion.

•plankton Usually small animals, including larvae and postlarvae, that are transported by tidal and wind-driven ocean currents.

•pleopods On shrimp, the feather-like appendages located on the underside of the tail. Used primarily in swimming.

•postlarvae In shrimp, the first stage in the life cycle which takes on the shrimp-like appearance and follows the larval stages. Postlarval shrimp are usually 4-12 mm in length. Shrimp immigrate into the estuaries as postlarvae.

•spawning The release of eggs by shrimp or fish. Eggs are usually broadcast and either sink to the bottom or drift as plankton. The SC Department of Natural Resources prohibits •spermatophore In shrimp, the “packet” that contains the sperm. The discrimination on the basis of spermatophore is attached to the female shrimp near the race, color, gender, national gonopore, either on the outside of the exoskeleton or under origin, disability, religion, or age. exoskeletal plates depending upon the species. Direct all inquiries to the Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box •stock Animals of the same species, usually aquatic or marine, that 167, Columbia, South Carolina reproduce with one another and live in the same general 29202. geographic area.

•uropod In shrimp, one of the four appendages on the shrimp’s tail that form the fan which is brightly colored in some species. The fan is used in helping shrimp move themselves backward quickly.

06MR5466 printed on recycled paper Brown Shrimp

GROOVES‑PRESENT Rostrum slightly shorter than blades No spot on abdomen Grooves on last segment wide enough for thumbnail

Pink Shrimp

Rostrum slightly shorter than blades Spot on abdomen between 3rd and 4th segments Grooves on last segment too narrow for thumbnail

White Shrimp

Rostrum slightly longer than blades

GROOVES‑ABSENT Palaemonetes, Grass Shrimp, Hardback

Body stubby, head longer in proportion to tail

Trachypenaeus, Hardback, Spotted Shrimp

Rostrum much shorter than blades

Three shallow-water species of shrimp are recreationally and commercially important in South Carolina. A description of these is provided (A, B, & C) together with two similar (D and E) but less important species that often confuse the layman.

A Common Name- White Shrimp Remarks: Pale to whitish color with the tail edged in green. No groove present along the base of either side of the rostrum or along the head. Antennae twice as long as the body. Last tail segment keeled. Rostrum slightly longer than that of the brown or pink shrimp.

B Farfantepenaeus aztecus Common Name- Brown Shrimp Remarks: Brownish in color. Groove present along the base of both sides of rostrum and along the length of the head. Tail edged in red and blue. Antennae less than twice as long as the body and rostrum not as long as that of the white shrimp.

C Farfantepenaeus duorarum Common Name- Pink Shrimp, Hopper and Brown-spotted Shrimp Remarks: Brownish in color and often somewhat darker than the brown shrimp. Usually a prominent dark spot on each side of the tail. Grooves on the head along the rostrum and the last segment of the tail similar to the brown shrimp but less pronounced.

D Palaemonetes vulgaris Common Name- Grass Shrimp, Hardback (Not a recreational or commercial species.) Remarks: Occur throughout estuarine waters in great numbers. Frequently confused with white shrimp. Average between 1 and 2 inches in length with a relatively long rostrum with teeth on the lower edge. Stubby in appearance, head larger in proportion to the tail than in the other species.

E Trachypenaeus constrictus Common Name- Spotted Shrimp, Hardback (Not a recreational or commercial species.) Remarks: Occur in inshore waters and along beaches just offshore. Light brown to pinkish in color with grayish spots on its tail. Short rostrum not grooved on each side.