White Shrimp: Lighter in color than pink or brown; uropods (tail) are typically black near the base with bright yellow and green margins; No grooves along the upper midline of the head and the upper midline of the lower region of the abdomen; long antennae and a long rostrum (horn on the head).

Pink Shrimp: Pink body with azure color on the tail and a dark red spot on the side of the abdomen; possesses grooves along the upper midline of the head and the upper midline of the lower region of the abdomen; these grooves are slightly narrower than those of brown shrimp.

Brown Shrimp: Pale in color; tails have red, dark green, and sometimes light blue pigmentations; Possess grooves along the upper midline of the head and the upper midline of the lower region of the abdomen.

(Source: SCDNR, 2013, www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/pub/seascience/shrimp.html)

These three shrimp species are found throughout the region with pink shrimp primarily harvested off the coast of Florida. All species have similar life cycles with spawning usually occurring in the ocean near beaches to several miles offshore. Spawning typically occurs in the spring and juveniles spend their time in creeks and estuaries before migrating offshore as adults to spawn. It takes 12-14 months to reach adult size and once shrimp spawn they die. Shrimp are bottom-feeding, opportunistic feeders, eating any organic matter – plant and animal.

NOTE: The following regulations refer to federal waters only. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this species’ state regulations, please visit https://fishrulesapp.com/ or contact your local state’s fishery management agency.

Regulations