Caramote Prawn, Striped Shrimp, Triple-grooved Shrimp – Penaeus kerathurus

, Caramote Prawn, Striped Shrimp, Triple-grooved Shrimp, Penaeus kerathurus

The Caramote Prawn, Striped Shrimp, or Triple-grooved Shrimp is a species of shrimp belonging to the genus Penaeus, specifically known as Penaeus kerathurus. This crustacean is a commercially significant species, prized for its delicate flavor and texture. It is found in various regions of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly along the coasts of North Africa and Europe.

Description & Characteristics

Penaeus kerathurus is characterized by its elongated body with a distinctive striped pattern. The carapace (the hard outer shell covering the head and thorax) is typically gray to brown, with lighter stripes running along its length. The abdomen is segmented, with the last segment bearing a fan-shaped tail fin. Penaeus kerathurus can grow to a maximum size of approximately 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Caramote Prawn, Striped Shrimp, or Triple-grooved Shrimp (Penaeus kerathurus) prefers shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms in the Mediterranean Sea. It typically inhabits depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters (33 to 328 feet), often near coastal areas and estuaries. This species thrives in areas with moderate water currents and a moderate salinity level. Its distribution extends from the eastern Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, with a particular prevalence in the western and central parts of the latter. This makes it a prevalent presence in the neritic zone, a marine zone that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The species Penaeus kerathurus belongs to the Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, and Family: Penaeidae. The Malacostraca class encompasses a vast array of crustaceans, including shrimps, crabs, lobsters, and krill, all sharing a common set of characteristics. The order Decapoda refers to ten-legged crustaceans, a defining feature of most familiar crustaceans. The Family Penaeidae, to which Penaeus kerathurus belongs, is a group of commercially important shrimps known for their distinctive long rostrums (beak-like projections) and swimming appendages.

Feeding

Penaeus kerathurus is an omnivorous scavenger, feeding on a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Its diet typically comprises:

  • Clams
  • Detritus
  • Snails
  • Worms
  • Zoobenthos

This dietary flexibility allows Penaeus kerathurus to thrive in a variety of habitats and environmental conditions.

Associated Species

Image References

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