Prawn

What is Gambón? 

El prawn  (Pleoticus muelleri) It is a decapod crustacean that belongs to the family Solenoceridae. This species is found mainly in the waters of the Southwest Atlantic, with a distribution that ranges from southern Brazil to the coasts of Argentine Patagonia.

There are many names by which this seafood is known, including, among others: Patagonian shrimp, Argentine shrimp, Argentine prawn, southern shrimp or southern prawn.

Characteristics of the Prawn   

El prawn  It stands out for its elongated body and robust shell, adapted to live in deep waters. Its coloration can vary from reddish to brown tones, depending on their age and habitat. These colors not only serve as camouflage against predators, but also indicate their state of development and diet.

In addition to these basic characteristics, shrimp have a number of adaptations that make them particularly efficient in their environment:

• Sensitive Antennas: Shrimp's long, sensitive antennae allow them to detect movements and vibrations in the water, which is very important for avoiding predators and locating food in the dark depths of the ocean.
• Compound Eyes: Their compound eyes are adapted to perceive the minimum amount of light, allowing them to see in low-light conditions.
• Hard Exoskeleton: The exoskeleton not only provides protection from predators, but also withstands the high pressures found in the deep sea.
• Night Behavior: Shrimp are generally most active at night, which helps them avoid many of their daytime predators.

These characteristics allow the shrimp to survive and thrive in conditions that would be extreme for many other species.

Behavior and Feeding

Their behavior is closely linked to their reproductive cycle. During this stage, males exhibit elaborate courtship patterns, Performing visual and behavioral displays to attract females. Once mating occurs, the females release their eggs, which remain attached to their abdominal appendages until they hatch.

As for its diet, this shellfish is omnivore, which allows them to take advantage of a wide range of food resources available in their habitat. Their diet consists of a variety of prey, including small invertebrates, microscopic algae, and decomposing material present on the seabed. This versatility in their diet gives them an adaptive advantage in an environment where resources can be scarce and variable.

In addition to its ecological importance, the southern prawn plays a key role in marine food chains, serving as a food source for larger predators, such as fish and marine mammals. 

Types of Shrimp   

Although when we talk about prawns we usually refer to Pleoticus muelleriThere Other species of crustaceans that are also marketed under the name “gambón” or “southern prawn”, like various species of the genus Hymenopenaeus (or Hymenopaenaeus). 

Likewise, Haliporoides triarthrus, known as Mozambique prawn, and sometimes Metapenaeus Monoceros, whose official commercial name is “banana prawn”, is also sold under the name “Mozambican prawn”. 

And to finish our family of prawns, we have the Aristeus virilis, the call red prawn, It is another species that is part of this group of shellfish so appreciated in the fishing market.

Nutritional values 

This crustacean is prized for its high nutritional value and delicious flavor. It contains high-quality proteins, essential vitamins and minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Habitat 

The pleoticus muelleri it's a kind benthic, which means that lives on the seabed where it finds the ideal conditions for its development and survival

The prawn lives in deep waters of the Southwest Atlantic, generally between 100 and 700 meters deep. It prefers soft seabeds rich in organic matter, where it can find shelter and food. 

The conservation of their habitat is essential, since the alteration of marine ecosystems due to pollution, overfishing, and climate change can negatively affect their populations.

Fishing Season 

Fishing for this shellfish is an important economic activity in the region. Southwest Atlantic, specially in Argentina and Uruguay. The fishing season usually coincides with the periods of greatest abundance of this shellfish, generally between the spring and summer months. 

Fishing regulations, such as catch quotas and size restrictions, are crucial to ensuring the sustainability of this fishery and preserving populations of prawn long term.