Scientific name
Pleoticus muelleri
Also known as
Langostino argentino, Patagonian red shrimp, Argentine red prawn
Main origins
Argentina (Chubut, Santa Cruz)
Main season
April to October
Overview
About Argentine Red Shrimp
Argentine red shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) is a large shrimp caught by bottom trawl in the South West Atlantic off Patagonia. Its shell is naturally red when raw, and the meat is sweet with a tender, juicy texture.
Argentina is the only significant producer, with an offshore freezer fleet in national waters and a provincial fishery landing into Chubut and Santa Cruz ports. Spain and China are leading markets alongside other European and Asian buyers, and the shrimp is used for grilling, paella, pasta and sushi.
Key points
- Naturally red, sweet meat
- Frozen at sea option
- MSC certified fishery
- Graded L1, L2, L3
Origins
Where it comes from
Argentina (national waters)
Offshore freezer trawlers freeze HOSO shrimp on board, mainly between April and October.
Chubut province
Provincial fishery landing at Rawson and other Chubut ports, largely for land frozen product.
Santa Cruz province
Shares the Golfo San Jorge grounds and lands shrimp for processing ashore.
Available origins vary through the year. Contact us for current availability.
Specifications
Available formats
| Product forms | Head on shell on (HOSO), headless shell on (HLSO), peeled tail on, peeled undeveined, precooked |
| Sizes | HOSO L1 10/20, L2 21/30, L3 31/40 pieces per kg; HLSO graded by tails per lb |
| Freezing | Frozen at sea (on board) or land frozen; semi block or IQF |
| Packing | Semi block 6 x 2 kg, 12 kg master carton |
| Season | Offshore fishing mainly April or May to September or October; land frozen supply continues outside the offshore season |
| Certifications | MSC (provincial fishery certified 2025, offshore fishery 2026) |
Sulphites are commonly used against black spot and must be declared on labelling. Specifications are typical for the trade and vary by origin and supplier. We source to your exact requirements.
Interested in Argentine Red Shrimp?
Send us your specification, volumes and destination and we will come back to you with suitable offers.