Body may appear lightly tan or greenish blue, typically white or translucent, with thin vertical stripes running down the sides of the body marking each carapace segment. Second carapace segment overlaps the first and third segments. Small feeding claws. First pair of walking legs ends in pincers. Sharp pointed rostrum with 7-10 upper teeth and 2-4 lower teeth. Hepatic spines absent.
Average Maximum Size:
5 cm (2 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The grass shrimp lacks any noticeable color markings while the peppermint shrimp has red/pink stripes and the river prawn may be speckled with tiny light blue dots. Grass shrimp (maximum 2 inches) are smaller than river prawns (maximum 4 inches).
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
NA
Range:
Maine to Gulf of Mexico
Habitat:
Found in waters with submerged vegetation such as seagrass beds, salt marshes, and estuaries.
