Ah yes…the Royal Red Shrimp. These tasty large cold water shrimp are caught in the wild off the coast of Argentina. The name pretty much says it all, so don’t miss them! It tastes rich and slightly sweet, which makes this species of shrimp stand out. If it’s not already your favorite, it will be soon!
Their deep crimson shells and succulent sweet meat have earned them regal status among seafood lovers. Royal red shrimp are some of the most prized catches in the ocean, inspiring awe and delight whenever they grace a dinner plate. But pinpointing exactly where these magnificent creatures originate can be as elusive as the shrimp themselves.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the favored habitats of royal red shrimp and reveal insider info on the best royal red fishing spots across North America. Read on to unlock the secrets of where these treasured shrimp are harvested from the mysterious depths.
What Are Royal Red Shrimp?
Before diving into royal red geography let’s cover the basics. Royal red shrimp (scientific name Hymenopenaeus robustus) are a species of deepwater shrimp distinguished by their large size and brilliant reddish-pink shells. They earn the noble “royal” title not just for their royal hue but also for their outstanding flavor.
Royal reds have a sweet, lobster-like taste and firm yet tender texture that puts them in a class above regular shrimp Their substantial size, ranging from 8 to 12 shrimp per pound, also renders them fit for royalty True connoisseurs rank them as the crème de la crème of shrimp.
Native Waters: The Gulf of Mexico
The premier source for wild-caught royal red shrimp is right off the coast of the southern United States in a stretch of the Gulf of Mexico. Prime royal red real estate runs from the Florida Panhandle across Alabama Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. This zone has ideal conditions for the shrimp to thrive.
Royal reds dwell in the Gulf’s deep offshore waters ranging from 800 feet to over 1,500 feet below the surface. They thrive in the cold depths, which give their meat a firmer composition. This also concentrates their sweet flavor.
During peak royal red shrimp season from August to October, shrimp boats equipped with special nets venture out 60 miles or more into the Gulf to harvest the bounty. The long journey and intensive labor involved in catching royal reds adds to their prestige. The Gulf’s cold, clean waters also lend the shrimp superior freshness.
Beyond the Gulf: Expanded Habitats
While the Gulf of Mexico boasts the most plentiful stocks, royal red shrimp inhabit expanded terrain. Their range stretches north along the Eastern Seaboard up to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Some royal reds are found in waters as far south as French Guiana in northern South America.
However, the quantity of shrimp found in these outer regions pales in comparison to the Gulf’s motherlode. The Gulf accounts for the bulk of commercially caught royal red shrimp. But pockets exist in places like the Mid-Atlantic coast and way down south in South America where seasonal royal reds are fished.
Pinpointing Prime Royal Red Fishing Spots
Now let’s zoom in on some specific sweet spots for finding royal red shrimp:
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Offshore Alabama – Some of the most bountiful royal red hauls come 60+ miles off the coast of Alabama around Mobile Bay and Dauphin Island.
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Mississippi Sound – The deep waters off Biloxi and Gulfport yield abundant royal reds.
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Florida Panhandle – Areas off Pensacola and Destin are prime royal red real estate.
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South Padre Island, TX – This southern tip of Texas is a royal red haven for shrimp boats.
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Cape Canaveral, FL – Boats venturing offshore from here can discover royal red shrimp.
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North/South Carolina – Scattered royal reds are found in the Atlantic off these coastal states.
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French Guiana – Parts of this South American coast contain royal red reserves.
Commercial Royal Red Fishing Operations
To capture the abundant royal reds dwelling in the cold ocean depths, specialized equipment and knowledge are required. A small group of select fishing vessels have the capabilities and permits required to fish commercially for royal reds.
These boats use commercial-grade shrimp nets with weighted doors that can open wide and sink all the way to the sea floor, where royal reds lurk. Large winches rapidly retrieve the nets once full. The shrimp are then flash frozen onboard to lock in freshness.
Most Gulf coastal communities from Florida to Texas have royal red shrimp fishing fleets that provision seafood processors, fish markets, restaurants, and home cooks with these special shrimp. Due to small batch harvests, royal reds cost more than regular shrimp, but devotees find them well worth the splurge.
Recreational Royal Red Fishing
The extreme depths royal red shrimp inhabit put them out of reach for recreational casters. Some royal reds are caught incidentally by recreational Gulf shrimpers using smaller nets, but not in fishable quantities. That leaves commercial fishing operations as the source for virtually all royal reds brought to market.
So while you can’t easily fish for royal reds yourself, you can still indulge in the fruits of the royal red fishermen’s labor. When planning a Gulf Coast vacation during royal red season, keep an eye out for these decadent shrimp on local menus or in seafood markets. Or order fresh-caught frozen royal reds online to enjoy a taste of shrimp royalty from the comfort of home.
Royal Red Shrimp Sustainability
With growing demand for royal red shrimp, conscientious consumption is important. The good news is royal red shrimp populations remain stable and abundant in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council closely regulates the commercial royal red fishery to prevent overfishing.
Strict permit requirements limit how many vessels can participate, when and where they can fish, trip durations, and total catch quotas. Mandatory reporting and fishery observers ensure compliance. These measures should maintain a thriving royal red fishery for generations while still allowing seafood fans to enjoy this exquisite delicacy.
Cooking Up the Royal Red Bounty
Once you get your hands on these elite shrimp, you’ll want to showcase their fabulous flavor in the best possible way. Top preparation methods include:
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Grilling in the shell – Heightens the caramelized, smoky notes
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Steaming or searing – Preserves their pristine texture
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Serving over grits – A classic Southern preparation
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In shrimp scampi – Sautéed with wine, butter, and herbs
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Baked into casseroles – Lets their richness shine through
Avoid overcooking these quick-cooking shrimp. Paired with melted garlic butter or spicy cocktail sauce, royal reds are seafood royalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Red Shrimp
Where are royal red shrimp found?
Royal red shrimp are found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico with their core habitat stretching from the Florida Panhandle to Texas. Smaller populations exist along the Atlantic coast up to the Carolinas and down to South America.
Why are they called royal reds?
Their regal name refers to their large size and brilliant reddish shell color, akin to a royal robe. It also nods to their unmatched sweetness and flavor fit for a king or queen.
What is special about royal red shrimp?
Royal reds have an exceptionally sweet, almost lobster-like taste and firm yet tender texture unlike regular shrimp. Their size is also substantially bigger than other shrimp.
When is royal red shrimp in season?
The peak season for royal red shrimp runs from August through October when they are most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico. However, their constant cold-water habitat means they can be fished year-round.
How are royal red shrimp caught?
Specialized commercial fishing boats use weighted nets that can reach the deep 800-1500 foot ocean depths where royal reds live. The shrimp are then flash frozen at sea.
Can you fish for royal red shrimp recreationally?
No, their extreme deepwater habitat makes royal reds accessible only to commercial fishing operations, not recreational casters.
Are royal red shrimp sustainable?
Yes, Gulf of Mexico royal red shrimp are closely monitored and regulated to prevent overfishing while still allowing commercial harvests. Their population remains stable.
Now that you’re an expert on where elusive royal red shrimp reside, it’s time to seek out these regal crustaceans and crown them the highlight of your next seafood feast!
