OCEANSCAPE NETWORK
  • Home
  • Virtual Explorations
    • The Stream
  • Explore
  • Experience
  • Educate
Leaf barnacle
Arthropod
EXPLORE > ANIMALS > INVERTEBRATES
​
Pandalus jordani

Like other shrimp species, Oregon pink shrimp are decapod (“ten-footed”) crustaceans related to lobsters, crabs, crayfish and krill. They have a hard protective shell called an exoskeleton which they shed and regrow as they mature. Their elongated bodies, specialized swimming legs (called swimmerets) and fan-like tails allow the shrimp to move quickly along the ocean bottom. These animals are omnivores and will often scavenge on organic material littering the ocean floor.

Oregon pink shrimp are short-lived and quick to reproduce, making them an excellent food choice for people. They are often referred to as salad shrimp and are a common food all over the world. Because of their limited lifespan, water-borne toxins frequently found in other shrimp species do not have time to bioaccumulate in Oregon pink shrimp.

Due to their abundance, shrimp in general play an important role in the health of the world ocean as they are a vital food source for many wild marine animals such as whales and fish.

​Range and Habitat

The Oregon pink shrimp lives on the muddy ocean bottom at a depth of 450 to 750 feet (137 to 228 m) along the coasts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California.

Conservation Status

Common. Oregon pink shrimp are a sustainably-harvested wild species thanks to a highly-successful program started by the Oregon shrimp industry which uses specially designed Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) not only make catching shrimp easier for fishermen, but substantially reduce accidental catches of fish such as halibut, canary rockfish and yelloweye rockfish.
Picture
Picture
About Oceanscape
The Oregon Coast Aquarium's Oceanscape Network is an educational program for youth designed to inspire curiosity in science, nature, conservation and outdoor exploration while providing valuable classroom resources for educators. MORE.
Quick Links
​Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads
Site Updates | For Educators | For Youth | Translate This Website | Contact Form | Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Website Accessibility
Finding the Aquarium
2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Oregon 97365
(541) 867-3474 | oceanscape@aquarium.org
Oceanscape Network © 2023 by the Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved. 
  • Home
  • Virtual Explorations
    • The Stream
  • Explore
  • Experience
  • Educate