Northern White Shrimp, Common Shrimp, Gray Shrimp, Southern Shrimp
Litopenaeus setiferus
Description:
Body coloration ranges between light tan to gray/white, may appear translucent. No grooves along rostrum or head. Sharp pointed rostrum with 7-9 upper teeth and 2 lower teethLong red/brown antennae. First carapace segment overlaps second. Tail may exhibit yellow-green edges. First three pairs of walking legs end in pincers.
Average Maximum Size:
20.3 cm (8 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
White Shrimp have no grooves along the tops of their head and tail. Brown Shrimp and Pink Shrimp have dorsal grooves on head and last tail segment. Pink Shrimp also have a dark spot at the third or fourth abdominal segment. Seabob/Brown Mule Shrimp's last two pairs of walking legs noticeably more elongate, the underside of pointed rostrum lacks serrations.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
NA
Range:
New York south to Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Juveniles utilize tidal creeks and oyster reefs found in estuaries. Adults found in detritus-dense estuarine and coastal waters with muddy bottoms, such as in salt marshes and estuaries. All life stages are capable of tolerating a wide range of salinities. However, salinity preference increases with development. Larvae: Low salinity. Juvenile: Intermediate salinity. Adult: High salinity
