(2) The tail. The tail is comprised of six segments that contain the edible
flesh. The tail also includes swimmerets and the telson.
(a) Swimmerets. Swimmerets function similarly to paddles. They assist
the shrimp in swimming.
(b) Telson. The telson, which is the fan-shaped tail of the shrimp, is
sometimes called the tail or fan. It is the primary organ
used for swimming.
b. Internal Features of Shrimp. The internal organs have two features
important to the food inspector. See Figure 2-6.
(1) Alimentary canal. The alimentary canal is commonly called the sand
vein. Body wastes which contain sand pass through this canal.
(2) Blood vessel. This vessel is not easily seen since the blood of the shrimp
is clear.
Figure 2-6. Internal Features of Shrimp.
c. Species of Shrimp. There are three species of shrimp that are procured for
the military services -- white or common, pink grooved, and brown grooved. These can
best be distinguished by color and the presence or absence of the groove on the tail
segment just posterior of the tail. See Figure 2-7. Colors described pertain to the shell
only. The flesh of all shrimp is white. (It is interesting to note that shrimp farming now
supplies one-quarter of the world's market.)
(1) White or common shrimp. The shell is a light grayish white to a light gray.
The tail segment is not grooved. See Figure 2-7.
MD0711
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