Body coloration varies between dark pink to translucent. First carapace segment overlaps second. Sharp, pointed rostrum with 8-9 upper teeth and 2 lower teeth. First three pairs of walking legs end in pincers. Singular dark spot on each side of body at third or fourth abdominal segment. Edge of tail may be dark blue or red in color. Dorsal grooves on both sides of rostrum and on last carapace segment.
Average Maximum Size:
20.3 cm (8 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Pink Shrimp can be distinguished from White Shrimp by the presence of grooves behind their rostrum which White Shrimp lack. A dark spot on the third or fourth abdomen segment is a distinct feature of the Pink Shrimp that is not present on White Shrimp, Brown Shrimp, or Seabob Shrimp.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Chesapeake Bay to Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Found in coastal waters with soft sandy and muddy bottoms or firm mud with sand and shells. Juveniles inhabit salt marshes and seagrass beds befor migrating to deeper waters as growth continues.
