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Brown Shrimp

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description Brown Shrimp Overview

The brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) is a marine decapod crustacean commonly found along the western Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. As a nocturnal species, it typically buries itself in sandy or muddy substrates during daylight hours and forages at night. It is a major species for commercial fisheries in the southeastern United States, prized for its food value and contributing significantly to regional seafood industries.

help Brown Shrimp FAQ

Where does the brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus live?

Its range extends along the western North Atlantic from Martha's Vineyard to the Florida Keys, then along the Gulf Coast to northwestern Yucatan. It usually lives in shallow coastal water with muddy or peaty bottoms. [NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/brown-shrimp)

Why does brown shrimp disappear during the day?

Brown shrimp are mainly nocturnal and often bury themselves in sand or mud during daylight. They travel and feed near the bottom at night, especially around dusk. [NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/brown-shrimp)

What does brown shrimp eat?

Larvae feed on plankton, while juveniles and adults eat worms, algae, microscopic animals, and organic debris. Adults are bottom-feeders, so their nighttime feeding is closely tied to soft coastal sediments. [NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/brown-shrimp)

How can I tell brown shrimp from pink shrimp?

Brown shrimp usually lack the lateral spot between the third and fourth abdominal segments that is characteristic of pink shrimp. Brown shrimp also have distinctive brown pigment concentrated toward the ends of the tail fan. [Texas Marine Species](https://txmarspecies.tamug.edu/invertdetails.cfm?scinameID=Farfantepenaeus+aztecus)

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