For those who didn’t grow up eating and preparing seafood-based meals, telling the difference between a shrimp and a crawfish may be challenging. While these sea creatures may look similar, each has their own important distinctions. Below is a quick guide to telling the two apart when it comes to appearance and flavor.

Understanding the Difference Between Shrimp & Crawfish

Crawfish

Crawfish — also known as crayfish — are nocturnal marine crustaceans generally found in freshwater, where they move along the muddy bottom. Only growing to about four inches long, crawfish come in over 500 varieties, and can be brown, red, white, orange, black, or dark green.

Crawfish season generally runs between January and July, varying depending on the previous winter temperatures and rainfall. They’re most often boiled and served in the “down-home” Cajun style, along with seasonings, corn, and potatoes. They can also be found in other popular dishes across the southeastern U.S., including jambalaya and etouffee.

Shrimp

Shrimp are classified as any one of 1,900 varieties of small, long-tailed crustaceans that grow no longer than eight inches. They live in both fresh and saltwater, preferring to settle along the muddy or sandy bottom. In the U.S., you’ll most commonly see shrimp of white, pink, or brown hues.

The best time of year to buy and eat shrimp at peak freshness is between April and October. Unlike crawfish, shrimp can be cooked using methods besides boiling. No matter whether you prepare them using the stove top, oven, or grill, they provide a great source of protein that is low in calories and fat.

Now that you understand the differences between shrimp and crawfish, all you need is a fresh seafood market to provide you with the ingredients to create your next tasty dish. Billy’s Seafood on County Road 10 West in Bon Secour, AL, is the place to turn. Seafood-lovers across the area rely on this seafood market for daily deliveries of the finest fresh fish, crab, Red Snapper, and much more--all at a great price. Their experienced employees and fisherman are on staff to help you choose the right fish and walk you through the cooking process. In a hurry? Visit them online to order your seafood for convenient in-home delivery. To learn more about their current stock or find out more about Billy’s Seafood, give the market a call today at (251) 949-6288.