Shellfish include a wide range of sea animals that have shells, such as crabs, clams, and shrimp. These creatures live in oceans, rivers, and lakes and are eaten all around the world in many types of food. There are two main kinds of shellfish: crustaceans and mollusks, and each group has many unique species. This post helps you learn the different types of shellfish and their names with pictures. These names are useful when reading seafood menus, cooking recipes, or learning about animals used in global cuisines.
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Shellfish Grouped by Species
Shellfish are not one single type of animal. They are divided into groups based on their body structure. Each species looks and tastes different. This section introduces the main types found in the shellfish category.
Crustaceans Commonly Eaten
Crustaceans have hard outer shells and jointed legs. They live in both saltwater and freshwater. Some are small and quick, while others are large and slow.
Crabs
Crabs have a round body, strong claws, and walk sideways.
Common types include blue crab, king crab, snow crab, and Dungeness crab.
Lobsters
Lobsters have long bodies with muscular tails and big front claws.
Types include American lobster, spiny lobster, and slipper lobster.
Shrimp and Prawns
Shrimp and prawns are similar, but prawns are often larger.
Varieties include white shrimp, tiger prawns, brown shrimp, and rock shrimp.
Crayfish
Crayfish look like small lobsters and live in freshwater.
Common types include red swamp crayfish, signal crayfish, and northern crayfish.
Edible Mollusk Shellfish
Mollusks have soft bodies and many live inside shells. They do not have legs or claws. Many are found buried in sand or stuck to rocks.
Clams
Clams are round and live buried in sand.
Types include hard clams, soft-shell clams, razor clams, and surf clams.
Mussels
Mussels have oval shells and cling to rocks in groups.
You’ll find blue mussels, green-lipped mussels, and Mediterranean mussels.
Oysters
Oysters are bumpy-shelled mollusks often eaten raw.
Kinds include Pacific oysters, Atlantic oysters, and Olympia oysters.
Scallops
Scallops have fan-shaped shells and are prized for their meat.
Common varieties include bay scallops and sea scallops.
Lesser-Known Shellfish Varieties
These shellfish are not seen as often but are still eaten in many parts of the world. They are small, tough, or have unique shapes.
Whelks
Whelks are sea snails with spiral shells and chewy meat.
Abalone
Abalone is a flat sea snail with colorful inner shells and firm texture.
Cockles
Cockles are heart-shaped shellfish found in sandy beaches and estuaries.
Sea Snails
Sea snails include various shelled mollusks eaten in soups or grilled.
Rare and Unusual Shellfish
Some shellfish are less common or found only in special places. They are often considered luxury foods or used in special dishes.
Geoduck
Geoduck is a large, long-necked clam mostly found in the Pacific Northwest.
Mantis Shrimp
Mantis shrimp have bright colors and punch-like claws. Their meat is sweet and firm.
Horseshoe Crab
Horseshoe crab is not a true crab and is rarely eaten, but used in research.
Razor Clam
Razor clams have narrow, oblong shells and a soft body that’s often steamed.
Where Shellfish Live
Shellfish can be found in oceans, rivers, or areas where salt and fresh water mix. Where they live affects their taste, size, and how they are harvested.
Saltwater Shellfish
Saltwater shellfish include lobsters, shrimp, scallops, and oysters.
Freshwater Shellfish
Freshwater types include crayfish, freshwater mussels, and Asian clams.
Estuarine Shellfish
These shellfish grow in areas where saltwater meets freshwater.
Examples include: soft-shell clams, blue crabs, and oysters.
How Shellfish Are Used in Cooking
Shellfish are used in many dishes around the world. Some are eaten raw, some are grilled or steamed, and others go into stews and sauces.
Raw Shellfish Dishes
Common raw shellfish include oysters, clams, and scallops.
Steamed and Grilled Shellfish
Popular choices are lobster, shrimp, mussels, and crabs.
Shellfish in Soups and Broths
Used in dishes like seafood chowder, bouillabaisse, and clam soup.
Shellfish Used in Global Cuisines
Asian recipes use prawns, Mediterranean dishes use mussels, and American dishes often use crabs and scallops.
FAQs about
Shellfish include aquatic animals with shells like crabs, shrimp, lobsters, clams, mussels, and scallops. They belong to two main groups: crustaceans and mollusks.
Crustaceans have hard exoskeletons and jointed legs, such as shrimp and crabs. Mollusks have soft bodies, often protected by shells, like clams and oysters.
Shellfish commonly eaten raw include oysters, clams, and scallops. They must be fresh and from safe sources to avoid health risks.
Shrimp and prawns are similar but differ slightly in anatomy. In cooking, the terms are often used interchangeably, depending on region.
Uncommon shellfish include geoduck, abalone, whelk, razor clams, and mantis shrimp. These are often regional or considered delicacies.
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