Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mechanically removing the meat from a crustacean is provided, which include the steps of loading the tail of the crustacean onto guide means, extending the tail so that it assumes a substantially horizontal position, piercing the tail with the tip of a nozzle connected to a source of pressurized fluid, separating the head and abdominal portions of the crustacean from the tail, and expelling the meat from the tail by means of the pressurized fluid from the nozzle tip impinging on the meat.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for deheading and peeling crayfish comprising pairs of gripper assemblies for operative engagement with the head and tail sections of a crayfish, respectively, supported for movement in synchronized relation through separate but tangentially related orbits wherein the pairs of grippers simultaneously move in a common direction through or past the point of tangency of their respective orbits wherein the tail holding gripper assemblies each comprise a lower crayfish pan constructed from flexible rubber or plastic member having an arcuate cross section greater than 180.degree. and a top arm member pivotly mounted above the lower pan to hold the crayfish in the pan during the deheading cycle, the pivoting of top arm member being actuated by a simplified cam assembly.