The range of L. setiferus extends from Fire Island, New York to Ciudad Campeche, Mexico.

[2] Litopenaeus setiferus may reach a total length (excluding antennae) of 197 millimetres (7.8 in), with females being larger than males.

[2] The antennae may be up to three times the length of the body, which is bluish white with a tinge of pink on the sides, and black spots.

[3] Litopenaeus setiferus is an omnivore; in Lake Pontchartrain, it feeds chiefly on the seagrass Vallisneria americana and detritus.

[2] After 10–12 hours, the eggs hatch into nauplius larvae, which are 0.3 mm (0.012 in) long, planktonic and unable to feed.