April 8, 2025

Red shrimp

La red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) It's one of the most prized shellfish in the Mediterranean for its intense flavor, color, and culinary versatility. This crustacean not only stands out on the tables of the most renowned restaurants but is also a symbol of artisanal and sustainable fishing in coastal areas such as Denia, Palamós, and Garrucha. Its meat is firm and flavorful, and its head is a true delicacy.

Common name: Red Shrimp
Scientific name: Aristeus antennatus
Family: Aristeidae
ClassMalacostraca (crustaceans)
Weight: from 10 to 80 grams (in large specimens it can reach 100 g)
Long Jump: from 10 to 22 centimeters

What is a Red Shrimp?

La Red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) is a decapod crustacean belonging to the family Aristeidae. It differs from other species of prawns y Prawns both for its intense red color and for its habitat, since lives in very deep waters from the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Atlantic.

This shrimp is especially prized for its flavor, concentrated in its head, which makes it perfect for broths, rice dishes, and more gourmet dishes. The red shrimp is widely used in haute cuisine, but also in traditional seafood dishes.

The red shrimp is not only a seafood product, but also an emblem of Mediterranean culture, uniting tradition, flavor, and sustainability.

Characteristics of Red Shrimp

Red shrimp are easily recognized by their:

Bright red color even before cooking them.
Variable size, which can reach up to 20-22 cm in the largest specimens.
Big head, which contains most of the concentrated flavor.
Thin shell and somewhat translucent, covering a segmented body and thin legs.

In addition, they have two long antennas (hence their scientific name) antennatus) and their front legs are adapted for walking and handling food.

Behavior and Feeding

The red shrimp is an animal nocturnal and scavenger, which lives on the seabed among the 200 and 1000 meters deepDuring the day it remains in deeper areas and at night it may ascend slightly in search of food.

Their diet consists mainly of:

Organic remains
Small fish and crustaceans
Molluscs benthic

This nutrient-rich diet gives it its characteristic intense flavor and high culinary value.

Nutritional values

Red shrimp are a nutritious seafood, low in calories and fat, ideal for a balanced diet. They provide a high amount of quality protein and a good dose of minerals.

nourisher	Quantity
Energy (Kcal)	93 Kcal
Proteins	20,1 gr
Total fat	1,4 gr
Saturated fats	0,22 gr
Monounsaturated fats	0,3 gr
Polyunsaturated fats	0,45 gr
Omega-3	0,388 gr
Linoleic acid (Omega-6)	0,014 gr
Cholesterol	200 mg/1000 kcal
Carbohydrates	0 gr
Fiber	0 gr
Water	78,5 gr
Football	220 mg
Iron	1,9 mg
Iodine	90 g
Magnesium	76 mg
Zinc	3,6 mg
Sodium	146 mg
Potassium	266 mg
Phosphorus	259 mg
Selenium	24,3 g
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)	0,05 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	0,04 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3)	7,4 mg
Vitamin B6	0,1 mg
Folates	5 g
Vitamin B12	1 g
Vitamin C:	Traces
Vitamin A (Eq. Retinol)	9 g
Vitamin D	Traces
Vitamin E	1,5 mg

Source: Government of Spain

Habitat and Fishing Season

Habitat

The red shrimp lives in muddy and sandy bottoms of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, at depths varying between 200 and 1000 meters, although the most frequent captures occur among the 400 and 800 meters.

Its distribution includes:

Western Mediterranean (mainly the coasts of Spain and Italy)
Areas of the Alboran Sea
Part of the Atlantic, near the Gulf of Cadiz

It prefers stable temperatures and areas with moderate currents, which limits its habitat to very specific and valuable regions.

Fishing Season

The red shrimp You can fish all year round, although there are peaks of abundance between the months of may and september, coinciding with their reproductive cycles.

The most common fishing methods are:

Bottom trawling (highly regulated by closed seasons and minimum sizes)
artisanal fishing, increasingly promoted for its lower impact

In many areas, such as Palamós and Denia, there are annual fishing bans to ensure the sustainability of the resource.

Source: https://www.mapa.gob.es/eu/ministerio/servicios/informacion/0005gamba-roja_tcm35-102788.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Shrimp

What is the difference between red shrimp and white shrimp?

Red shrimp live in deep waters and have a much more intense and concentrated flavor. Their natural color is red, even when raw. White shrimp are lighter in color, milder in flavor, and live in shallower waters.

Why is red shrimp so expensive?

Its capture is difficult due to the depths at which it lives. Furthermore, it is a highly sought-after product due to its quality, and in areas like Palamós, Denia, and Garrucha, it has a gourmet reputation that increases its price.

Which part is the tastiest?

Undoubtedly, the cabeza, where most of the flavor is concentrated. Many chefs use it to make stocks, broths, or even to eat it straight.

Where are red shrimp found in Spain?

Red shrimp are mainly caught in the western mediterranean, in areas such as Palamós (Girona), Denia (Alicante), Garrucha (Almería) and also in some parts of Murcia y the Alboran SeaThese regions are known for the exceptional quality of their catches.