Shellfish: An Overview

Shellfish are aquatic animals that have shells or hard exoskeletons. They are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments. There are two main categories of shellfish:

1. Crustaceans

Crustaceans have segmented bodies and jointed limbs. Some examples include:

• Shrimp
• Crabs
• Lobsters
• Crayfish

2. Mollusks

Mollusks generally have soft bodies, often protected by hard shells. Some types of mollusks include:

• Bivalves (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters, scallops)
• Gastropods (e.g., snails, abalones)
• Cephalopods (e.g., octopuses, squids, cuttlefish)

Health & Nutritional Benefits

Shellfish are rich in:

• Protein
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamins (B12, D)
• Minerals (zinc, iron, selenium)

Allergies & Health Considerations

Shellfish allergies are common and can be severe. It’s important to ensure shellfish is sourced from clean waters to avoid toxins and bacteria.

Culinary Uses

Shellfish are used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Soups (e.g., clam chowder)
• Grilled or steamed dishes
• Sushi and ceviche
• Pasta and rice dishes (e.g., paella, jambalaya)