Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical device used to remove the head and anterior exoskeleton from the posterior exoskeleton and musculature of crustaceans belonging to the genus peneus, commonly called prawns or shrimp.The apparatus comprises a holding tank for storing crustaceans, means for transporting, gueueing up and selectively aligning individual animals; and gripping means selectively capable of gripping and removing the flexible anterior portion of the animal from its relatively tough meaty posterior.