South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Rock Shrimp

Rock Shrimp

Sicyonia brevirostris
Recreational
All areas are closed for recreational fishing.
Commercial
All areas are open for commercial fishing.

Rock shrimp are similar in size and shape to penaeid shrimp. However, their distinguishing characteristic is their thick, rigid, stony shell. Their body is off-white to pinkish in color with the darker blotches and barred lighter shades on the back. The abdomen has deep grooves and nodules and short hairs cover their bodies.

(Source, 2023: NOAA)

Rock shrimp are found from Norfolk, Virginia, south through the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They mainly live on sand bottoms in water 80 to 215 feet deep, although they’ve been found in depths of 600 feet. Rock shrimp are active at night and burrow in the sand during the daytime. Larval rock shrimp grow and develop in coastal estuaries and travel back to offshore areas as they mature.

(Source, 2023: NOAA)

Regulations

NC, SC, GA, FL

Upcoming meetings

Amendments in progress

  • No current items

Contact