Shrimp Are America’S Most Pink Shrimp Are Slightly Narrower Hard

Shrimp are America’s most pink shrimp are slightly narrower hard. The spermatophore is glued valuable and most popular seafood. than those of brown shrimp. White to the underside of the female, South Carolina is home to three shrimp do not have grooves and and spawning occurs almost species of the penaeid shrimp: typically have much longer antennae immediately. Eggs of both species brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus and a long rostrum (horn). are fertilized as they are ejected past aztecus), white shrimp (Litopenaeus Life History the spermatophore, and sink to the setiferus), and pink shrimp Brown, white, and pink shrimps ocean floor. After about 12 to 24 (Litopenaeus duorarum). Brown and have similar life cycles. Spawning hours, they hatch into tiny larvae white shrimp are more common usually occurs in the ocean, ranging that rise into the water column. than pink shrimp. All three taste the from near the beaches to several The initial larval stage, during same. miles offshore. A single female which the shrimp looks like a In South Carolina waters, other produces between 500,000 and tiny mite, is followed by about small species of shrimp, such as 1,000,000 eggs and may spawn 10 larval phases before reaching grass shrimp, are easily confused several times. Brown shrimp spawn the post-larval stage after about with juveniles of penaeid shrimp but during October and November, and two weeks. Postlarvae look like have no commercial or recreational occasionally later. White shrimp miniature adult shrimp. Brown value. Rock shrimp, named for their typically spawn in the spring and shrimp postlarvae remain in the thick, hard shells, occur in South early summer. The exact timing of ocean bottom sediments during Carolina’s offshore waters and are the spawning period depends on the winter. As the ocean warms commercially fished off Florida’s water temperature. in late February and March, these East Coast. The mantis shrimp (not During mating, the male postlarvae become active and ride a true shrimp) is a flattened, inshore transfers a packet of sperm, called tidal currents into the estuaries. crustacean sometimes incorrectly a spermatophore, to the female. White shrimp postlarvae move into called “rock shrimp.” Mantis shrimp Brown and pink shrimp mate the estuaries about two weeks after can be eaten, but have little meat of when the female’s exoskeleton is spawning, usually in late May and poor quality. soft, immediately after molting. June, moving further in with each Identification of Shrimp The spermatophore is covered high tide. Death rates are very high Species by two “plates” that hold it in for larval and juvenile shrimp; less All three of the edible shrimp place. Females may spawn days than one or two percent of the eggs species look very similar, but you later. White shrimp mate between spawned survive to adults. can tell them apart if you look molts when the exoskeleton is closely. White shrimp has a lighter color than brown or pink shrimp. eye carapace 1st abdominal segment rostrum 2nd abdominal segment Tail flippers (uropods) on white 3rd abdominal segment shrimp are black near the base 4th abdominal segment with bright yellow and green along 5th abdominal segment the edges. Brown shrimp tails are 6th abdominal segment red, dark green, and occasionally light blue in color. Pink shrimp antennae have a light purplish-blue tail, and telson usually a dark red spot on the side of the abdomen. Brown and pink shrimp have grooves along the upper midline of the head and the uropods upper midline of the lower region walking legs (5 pairs) of the abdomen. The grooves on swimming legs (5 pairs) Nursery Habitat can walk short distances, when during the large tides associated Postlarval shrimp settle out in the migrating long distances, they swim with new and full moons. shallow waters in the upper ends as much as two to five miles a Shrimp seldom live more than of salt marsh tidal creeks. Shrimp day. To escape predators, a shrimp eight or nine months. The record stay in this “nursery habitat” contracts its abdominal muscles, white shrimp (just over ten inches) for about two or three months, which causes the tail to snap, and was caught by a commercial growing to about four inches long. propels the shrimp backwards. shrimper off Seabrook Island During high tide, juveniles move White shrimp commonly use this in July 1979. That shrimp was into the marsh grass to feed and method to jump from the water. probably about 14 months old. escape predators. At low tide, As shrimp become larger, they Food when the water level is below the leave the nursery area and move Shrimp are bottom-feeding salt marsh grass, shrimp gather in toward the ocean on the outgoing omnivores, eating most organic creek beds. The smallest shrimp tide, particularly at night. Shrimp materials – animal or plant – they stay close to the creek bank while move from the shallow estuary encounter at the bottom. Smaller larger juveniles prefer deeper creeks into coastal rivers when shrimp pick food off the sediment water. In unusually clear water, they are about four inches long. while larger shrimp become shrimp seek the deepest areas They continue to grow as they predators, feeding on polychaete available to avoid predatory birds, move into the lower reaches of worms, amphipods, nematodes, fish, and crabs. sounds, bays and river mouths crustacean larvae, isopods, Both brown and white shrimp where they gather just before copepods, small fishes, grass prefer muddy bottom, but pink moving into the ocean. shrimp, fiddler crabs, and square- shrimp do best on a sand/shell When white shrimp are in the back crabs. Shrimp also eat other bottom. In South Carolina’s mostly staging areas, they feed in nearby shrimp. muddy estuaries juvenile and adult shallow areas at night. Brown Disease pink shrimp are scarce, although shrimp, on the other hand, prefer Several diseases affect shrimp. their post larvae are relatively to stay in deeper waters at night. In One of the most common, cotton common. years when shrimp are abundant, disease, is caused by a single Growth they migrate into the ocean when cell protozoan parasite called a Young shrimp grow quickly, up they are between four and five microspordian. These tiny animals to 2.5 inches per month, molting inches long. When the population invade various tissues of the their exoskeleton as they grow. is smaller, however, shrimp may shrimp, turning the affected areas Small shrimp molt several times be six inches or more before they grey or white. Cotton disease per week, but molting slows as leave the estuaries. When shrimp may affect only the head or the they become larger. Shrimp can are more concentrated in the tidal reproductive system but often tolerate a wide range of salinities. creeks, growth rates slow due spreads throughout the shrimp’s The ideal nursery habitat has to competition for limited food, entire muscular system. Cotton salinity about 25 to 40 percent or each shrimp spending more disease is most common in large seawater for white shrimp and time protecting its space instead white shrimp, but can affect small 35 to 65 percent seawater for of feeding. Low salinities due white shrimp, as well as other brown shrimp. Shrimp can do to heavy rainfall cause juvenile species. At times, up to 15 percent well, however, in salinities near shrimp to leave nursery areas early, of the population of white shrimp 100 percent seawater (such as in reducing growth and survival. has cotton disease. Minor infection Murrell’s Inlet) or in 10 percent In a wet year, the majority of (white shrimp having small specks seawater (such as the Cooper River white shrimp move into the ocean of diseased tissue) may reach levels near Charleston). in August, about a month early. of 70 or 80 percent, but these Offshore Migration This can result in a poor shrimp specks are usually isolated to the Shrimp move three different baiting season and a poor harvest head. Large individuals with cotton ways, using either their walking by commercial trawlers in October, disease often have a dark blue or legs, swimming legs, or with a which is normally one of the better black band across the abdomen. sudden tail snap. While shrimp months for shrimping. Areas most Shrimp with cotton disease are not severely affected are Charleston harmful if eaten, but the disease Harbor and Winyah Bay, which affects the texture and flavor of the receive relatively large amounts of meat. upstate river discharge. A second condition common If there is not significant rainfall along the Atlantic coast is called and/or river discharge during black gill or brown gill disease, fall, white shrimp remain in the first seen in 1999. This disease is estuaries until water temperature caused by another single celled Rock Shrimp falls to about 60-65 degrees. protozoan known as apostome. Migration into the ocean occurs The swarming stage of this parasite, less than 50 thousand pounds and that can be used for recreational called a tomite, apparently often zero. shrimping. attaches to and penetrates the The second season is for brown Changes in the Shrimp shrimp’s gills, turning them brown shrimp. This fishery usually begins Population Size or black. The shrimp is affected in June and ends in August, Shrimp populations experience until it molts and casts off its old although significant quantities of relatively dramatic fluctuations. shell, which includes the outer brown shrimp have been landed Annual commercial shrimp covering of the gill. in October during years when the landings have ranged from 1.3 Black gill disease usually population of brown shrimp was to 6.8 million pounds. White begins in mid August, peaks in high. Good years for brown shrimp shrimp population, more weather September, and slowly disappears have landings of 1.3 to 2.0 million dependent, fluctuates more than in October. The disease does pounds (heads off). the brown shrimp population. not directly cause mortality, The fall white shrimp season During late fall, white shrimp but impairs respiration, making typically produces the largest not caught by recreational or the shrimp more vulnerable catch. These shrimp are the commercial fishermen migrate to predators and temperature offspring of the spring spawn. south as far as Cape Canaveral, extremes. The parasite is not a Landings of young white shrimp by Florida, and do not return. danger to humans. the commercial fleet usually begin Therefore, South Carolina depends In the 1980s massive die offs of in August and peak in September upon the small white shrimp that shrimp in mariculture farm ponds and October. The season usually overwinter in our estuaries to be around the world led to new lasts through December and our primary spring spawning stock. understanding of the impacts of sometimes into January. When winter water temperature viruses on shrimp. These viruses The channel net or set net falls to 46 degrees or below for are relatively common and can fishery occurs in Winyah and seven or more days, most of the cause mortalities in intensive North Santee bays. This limited overwintering brood stock is wiped shrimp farming operations. Shrimp fishery usually begins in September out. Following severe winters, the viruses pose no danger to humans and continues until December roe shrimp harvest is usually less and have not negatively affected 15 if shrimp size and abundance than 50,000 pounds, and with wild shrimp in South Carolina. are adequate for commercial so few spawners, fall commercial However, DNR requires that harvest. This fishery involves the landings also suffer. live shrimp imported for shrimp use of anchored nets that are very Another important factor for the farming be certified as free of similar to shrimp trawls. They are white shrimp abundance is salinity diseases. held open at the mouth by long in the nursery habitat during The Commercial Fishery wooden poles and capture shrimp the late summer months. Dry The commercial fishery in South as the tide carries them seaward. summers, which result in higher Carolina is dominated by shrimp In some years, this can be a very salinities, produce smaller white trawlers, boats ranging in length effective fishery, with relatively shrimp populations. However, from 17 to 85 feet. Trawling is high catch rates at low operating unusually wet summers can also allowed only in the ocean, except costs. impact white shrimp. Moderate for short periods during fall when The Recreational Fishery rainfall and normal levels discharge trawlers may work in the lower The recreational harvest of of freshwater from rivers seems to areas of Winyah and North Santee brown shrimp by cast nets and create ideal conditions for white Bays. Most shrimpers trawl within seines takes place in the state’s three or four miles of the beach. tidal creeks, usually starting in early The commercial shrimp trawling June. White shrimp are first caught fishery has three seasons. The first in the creeks in late July or early is the so-called roe shrimp season August and have usually moved in May or June. This season is into the ocean by late October. opened when the DNR determines The shrimp baiting fishery, which that an adequate supply of eggs targets white shrimp, is set by has been spawned to produce a law to last 60 days and opens good fall harvest. The roe shrimp at noon on the last Friday on or season is usually less than a month before September 15. Shrimp long and landings (catches) are are also harvested recreationally dependent upon the severity of by drop nets from docks and the previous winter. Following seawalls during the fall as larger mild winters, heads-off landings white shrimp are moving seaward. are often 400 to 600 thousand Unlike seines and cast nets, pounds. After severe winters, drop nets require bait. See DNR landings of roe shrimp are usually regulations for the types of nets Mantis Shrimp shrimp. the coast, or heavy predation move to the coast, pressure on The number of spawners does on larvae by a concentration of the shrimp resource will continue not seem to be a problem with jellyfish, for example, could have to increase. To ensure that both brown shrimp since the inshore serious effects. commercial and recreational movement of post larvae every Aquaculture fishermen will continue to have an year remains relatively constant. Scientists in South Carolina ample supply of shrimp, everyone The best years for brown shrimp are among the world’s leaders in must take steps to conserve the are those with relatively mild developing techniques to culture resource. It is important that no springs that allow brown shrimp to marine shrimp. Some of the shrimp be wasted. Shrimpers begin growing soon after moving first studies in the United States should utilize all shrimp that they into the nursery habitat. Brown were conducted in the 1950s at catch, and if shrimp are too small, shrimp grow and survive best in the old Bears Bluff laboratories larger mesh nets should be used salinities slightly higher than half on Wadmalaw Island. Today, or shrimping activities should be strength seawater. Unusually wet researchers at the Waddell postponed until shrimp grow to spring and early summer weather Mariculture Center near Bluffton a useable size. Those individuals has detrimental effects on brown provide technical assistance who catch more than their fair shrimp. to several companies growing share of the resource not only Many other factors such as shrimp in ponds in the state. The violate the law but may force abundance of predators and food preferred species for culture is fishery managers to create tighter availability affect both species. the Pacific coast white shrimp, restrictions for all users. The Good habitat and clean water are Penaeus vannamei which grows legal daily limit for recreational also important for good shrimp faster than local shrimp species. shrimpers is 48 quarts (heads-on) production. Unfavorable winds Conservation or 29 quarts (heads-off) per boat could transport larvae away from As more and more people or seining party.

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.

Saltwater Fishing Conservation and Ethics Ocean resources, once thought to how to provide angling opportunities contribute to conservation by be unlimited, have declined rapidly without depleting fish populations. purchasing a Saltwater Recreational in recent decades, due in part to The challenge of catching, not Fishing License, which is required the overharvest of many commercial killing, fish should provide anglers to fish from a private boat or gather and recreational species of fish and with the excitement and the reward shellfish in South Carolina’s salt shellfish. of fishing. Undersized fish or fish waters. Funds from the sale of To reduce overfishing, all anglers over the limit should be released to licenses must be spent on programs should practice wise conservation ensure the future of fish populations. that directly benefit saltwater fish, practices and adopt an ethical More and more South Carolina shellfish and fishermen. approach to fishing. fishermen now practice tag and Help ensure the outdoor Size and catch limits, seasons and release, which not only conserves enjoyment of future generations gear restrictions should be adhered resources but also provides by strictly adhering to all rules, to strictly. These regulations change information on growth and regulations, seasons, catch limits and from time to time as managers learn movement of fish. size limits, and through the catch and more about fish life histories and Saltwater fishermen can further release of saltwater game fish.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Alvin A. Taylor, Director D. Carmichael, Jr., Special Assistant to the Director Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water andConservation Division COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement Division Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources Division Don Winslow, Deputy Director for Outreach and Support Services Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division

Board Members John P. Evans, Chairman Cary L Chastain, Vice Chairman Caroline C. Rhodes Michael E. Hutchins Larry L. Yonce Norman F. Pulliam D. Glenn McFadden Robert R. Lowe

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. 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 Litopenaeus setiferus 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. This publication was made possible in part with funds from the sale of the South •estuary Carolina Saltwater Recreational The part of the wide, lower course of a river where the current Fishing License. The South is met by tides of the ocean. “Where rivers meet the sea.” Carolina Department of Natural •emigration Resources publishes an annual To migrate from an area: shrimp emigrate from the estuary as Rules and Regulations booklet they become adults. that lists all saltwater fishing regulations. Have an enjoyable •fishing mortality fishing trip by reading these The death of aquatic animals resulting from fishing efforts by requirements before you fish. man. •fishing pressure The collective amount of fishing activity that affects aquatic Authors: J. David Whitaker, animals. Peter Kingsley-Smith of the Marine Resources Division •immigration The migration of animals into an area: postlarval shrimp immigrate into an estuary from the ocean. Total cost: $1000.00 Total copies: 1025 •natural mortality Cost per copy: $0.98 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 S.C. Department of The release of eggs by shrimp or fish. Eggs are usually broadcast Natural Resources prohibits and either sink to the bottom or drift as plankton. discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national •spermatophore origin, disability, religion, or In shrimp, the “packet” that contains the sperm. The spermatophore is attached to the female shrimp near the age. Direct all inquiries to the gonopore, either on the outside of the exoskeleton or under Office of Human Resources, exoskeletal plates depending upon the species. P.O. Box 167, Columbia, South Carolina 29202. •stock Animals of the same species, usually aquatic or marine, that reproduce with one another and live in the same general 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. 13-8967 printed on recycled paper