Atlantic White Shrimp

Atlantic white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus), also known as white shrimp or green tails is a species of prawn (not shrimp) found on the eastern seaboard of North America. They are bluish-white, with pink sides, and are sometimes carried into estuaries by tides or winds.

Few white shrimp live as long as a year, and the maximum lifespan is about two years. Spawning happens as far as 9 km from the shore, and involves between 69,000 and 1 million eggs being released at a time. The eggs sink to the bottom of the water as they are released and hatch 10-12 hours later.

Females grow larger than males, reaching up to 200 mm, in comparison to 182 mm for male. Juvenile shrimp can grow 1.2 mm per day during late spring and summer months, but growth is slow in the spring. Growth in Penaeus setiferus occurs at temperatures above 20 °C, and may be limited by temperatures and the availability of food. In 1998, the total US catch for white shrimp was 69,842 metric tons with a value of over $269,691,691. It is sold in a variety of fresh and frozen products, either as a whole or tails only. White shrimp are sold throughout the year, although the peak months for the fishermen are November to January. The white shrimp is quite awesome.