Spot Prawns - What to know, when & where to get them

The California Spot Prawn is a beautiful species of shrimp found in deep waters along our coast, with a vibrant red body covered in white stripes and spots.

The meat is sweet, delicate, and delicious, making spot prawns a local delicacy. Their popularity in the international seafood market is well-established, and they continue to gain attention domestically. Once you dine on these delicious, local gems, we are certain you’ll be hooked!

Life Cycle & Habitat

A deeper dwelling invertebrate, spot prawns range from Alaska to San Diego and can be found on both rock habitats and soft bottoms. Like several other marine creatures, spot prawns start life as males and change into females as they mature.

While their life span is seemingly long for such a small animal, averaging around six years, the transition from male to female doesn’t occur until the fourth or fifth year of life. They spawn once a year, and each individual mates once as a male and once or twice as a female. 

Season, Management, Availability

The spot prawn fishery began in our local waters in the early 1930s. Like most, the fishery expanded and management evolved to allow for its sustainable harvest. The spot prawn fishery is a limited entry fishery, with 28 permits for commercial harvest available in California. Regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the fishery starts in Monterey on August 1st and closes May 31st of the following year.

Where to Find Them

While popular for fine dining, spot prawns typically aren’t found at your corner market seafood counter, likely due to their higher price point and short shelf life. Don’t let that discourage you from seeking them out and treating yourself to an incredible seafood experience! Spot prawns can be found at a few local seafood markets and restaurants, at local community-supported fisheries, and a few fishermen sell them directly off the boat, like Skylar Campbell and Adam Aliotti of the F/V Ocean Warrior out of Monterey. Spot prawns are not always available, so be sure to call ahead or follow the fishermen on social media. Visit our Local Catch Guide for more info.

Spot prawns being sold off the F/V Ocean Warrior in Monterey on August 9th, 2020. Photo Credit: John Haynes, Harbormaster, City of Monterey