description Spot Shrimp Overview
The spot shrimp, Pandalus platyceros, is a large marine shrimp native to the northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska to California and occurring in rocky habitats at substantial depths. It is recognizable by the white spots on its reddish body and by its long antennae. Like several pandalid shrimps, it is a protandric hermaphrodite, beginning adult life as a male and later becoming female. The species supports commercial and recreational fisheries along the Pacific coast.
help Spot Shrimp FAQ
How can I identify a spot shrimp?
Pandalus platyceros has a reddish or brownish body marked by conspicuous white spots, including spots near the tail. It also has long antennae and can grow noticeably larger than many other Pacific shrimp.
Where are spot shrimp caught?
The species lives along the northeastern Pacific coast from Alaska south to California. Fishers target it in rocky, deep-water habitats using baited traps rather than conventional trawling in many local fisheries.
Why are spot shrimp sometimes called spot prawns?
Spot prawn is the common market and fishery name, especially in British Columbia and the US Pacific Northwest. Biologically, the animal belongs to the shrimp genus Pandalus, so both names refer to Pandalus platyceros.
Do spot shrimp change sex during their lives?
Yes. Like several Pandalus species, they are protandric hermaphrodites, generally maturing first as males and later functioning as females.
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