Caramote prawn

Presentation

The giant red shrimp (Penaeus kerathurus) is a marine decapod crustacean highly prized in the Mediterranean and along nearby Atlantic coasts. It lives buried in soft seafloor habitats in coastal areas, where it feeds on small invertebrates and organic debris. Its elongated, semi-translucent body, marked with brownish bands, can exceed 20 cm in the largest individuals. It is an important fishing resource in Tunisia, particularly in the Gulf of Gabès. Its life cycle alternates between shallow coastal zones and deeper waters depending on the season.

Segmented elongated body; semi-rigid carapace greyish-brown to greenish in colour with darker transverse bands. Prominent serrated rostrum and long sensory antennae. Five pairs of thoracic walking legs adapted for moving and burrowing through the substrate.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

It inhabits soft sandy or muddy substrates in shallow coastal waters, often near lagoons and estuaries. It is particularly fond of areas with variable salinity such as coastal lagoons. Juveniles typically develop in these sheltered environments before moving into open water.

Behaviour

Mainly nocturnal species that burrows in sand or mud during the day to shelter from predators. It makes seasonal migrations between shallow coastal zones in summer and deeper waters in winter. Generally lives solitarily or in small scattered groups on the seafloor.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs at sea, where females release several thousand eggs directly into the water. Larvae pass through several planktonic stages before settling in shallow coastal areas as juveniles. Sexual maturity is reached within one to two years depending on environmental conditions.

Peculiarities

Its daytime burrowing into sediment makes it difficult to observe except at night. It is a flagship species for Tunisian artisanal fishing, particularly in traditional fisheries of lagoons such as Bizerte and Gabès. Its prized flesh makes it a species of high commercial value.

Threats and conservation

Overfishing and degradation of coastal habitats, particularly pollution and coastal development, locally threaten its populations. The destruction of lagoons and coastal wetlands, which are essential for reproduction, is a growing concern. Sustainable fisheries management is recommended in several Mediterranean zones.

References

Profile updated 27 October 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.