Ridgeback Shrimp

Ridgeback shrimp are common throughout central and southern California, from Monterey to Baja California. They occupy subtidal zones with rock, sand, and mud substrates from depths of 15 to 1000 feet. Ridgeback shrimp have a maximum lifespan of five years, and individuals may grow to seven inches. They reproduce multiple times during the spawning season, June through October. After spawning, adults continue to grow and molt through winter and spring. Ridgeback shrimp typically eat organic sediments, microscopic algae (diatoms), worms, snails and other crustaceans. They are a major prey item for many groundfish species, and octopus, sharks, and rays are also known predators.

Overall availability

Ridgeback shrimp are fished in California and available seasonally, generally fall through spring. They are typically sold live or fresh. 

Management

Ridgeback shrimp are fished using trawl gear. The fishery is managed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

More Information

While this species is known and marketed as ridgeback shrimp, it is actually a type of prawn.