Family: Penaeidae

Size: Southern whites reach a length of 235 mm. (9.25 inches)

Distribution:
The southern white inhabits the western Atlantic from Cuba and the Virgin Islands through Central and South America to southern Brazil ( about 28º 24´S.). It is found from the shore down to about 47 meters (154 feet), though most catches are made between 15 and 30 meters (50 to 100 feet) over soft mud or silt. The adults are marine, the juveniles estuarine.

Comments:
The species is very important commercially throughout its range. It is landed in large quantities and there is a ready export market for it in the U.S.A., where it is commonly called "white shrimp" of whichever country of origin appears on the label. Brazil is a major producer. The species is very similar to P. setiferus, the Gulf white and can only be distinguished by careful examination of the genitals. Distinctions in the market-place between the two species and between various origins of each are related more to efficiency and skill of handling and packing than to any intrinsic quality differences.