Shrimp are a billion-dollar industry, but they're under assault from Asian Tiger Prawns. It's an invasive species of shrimp the size of a man's arm and they're already breeding.
"Somehow they got in the Gulf. They followed the Gulf stream to get here."
Mark Hubbard of Hubbard's Marina at John's Pass looks out at the water with concern. Tiger shrimp are predatory and left unchecked could create a big problem.
"That's sounds like a nightmare for us. Those things are huge, they look horrible," said Hubbard.
Horrible because tiger shrimp eat smaller species of shrimp. That means people who make a living off the water have less shrimp to sell. Tiger shrimp also spread disease. It's a trickle down affect that could drive seafood prices through the roof.
Proof can be found no further than this freezer.
"The University of Mississippi wants this stuff," said Hubbard.
Last year, 10 News was the first to warn of the spread of the predatory Lionfish. Fast forward a year and Lionfish are so out of control, the University of Mississippi contacted Hubbard's Marina asking them to save and freeze their catch for analysis. Tiger shrimp could be the next danger.
LEARN MORE:Info on how prawns got here
"It's already happened once with the Lionfish. It's just a matter of time before those things start taking over," said Hubbard Marina Captain Anthony Belmonte.
Tiger shrimp haven't been found off the west coast of Florida -- yet. They're already in the Gulf, and experts say they'll soon be knocking on our door.
What is the difference between shrimp and prawns? It boils down to size Click these links for more information.
PHOTOS: Invasive Lion Fish
