Protandric-hermaphrodite
Guides
Pandalus
cold-water prawn
Pandalus is a genus of medium-sized cold-water shrimp in the family Pandalidae, inhabiting marine benthic environments primarily in northern seas. Members are protandric hermaphrodites, beginning life as males and transitioning to females with age. Several species support significant commercial fisheries, including P. borealis (northern shrimp), P. jordani (pink shrimp), and P. platyceros (spot prawn). The genus exhibits characteristic vertical diel migrations and variable nursery habitat associations across species.
Pandalus platyceros
spot prawn, spot shrimp, California spot prawn, Alaskan prawn, BC spot prawn, Botan Ebi
Pandalus platyceros is a commercially important cold-water shrimp native to the North Pacific. It reaches up to 27 cm in length and exhibits protandric hermaphroditism, maturing first as males before transitioning to females. The species supports significant fisheries in British Columbia and Alaska, with a short harvest season typically occurring May through June. Spot prawns are marketed globally for their sweet flavor and firm texture, particularly in Japan where they are sold as 'Botan Ebi'.