Ultrasonic shellfish probe

Apparatus for evaluating a part of a seafood animal such as a lobster claw, to determine the ratio of meat to water and other characteristics, including first and second transducers (12, 14) that are coupled to spaced locations on the part P of the animal so when the first transducer transmits sonic energy it passes through the animal part to the second transducer. A circuit (34) coupled to the second transducer analyzes detected sonic energy. In one system, the circuit calculates the velocity of sound through the part of the seafood animal. A higher velocity indicates a higher meat content. Another circuit includes an indicator that indicates the amplitude of sound detected by the second transducer, especially the amplitude of sound of the predominant frequency generated by the first transducer, that has passed directly through the animal part. A lower amplitude indicates a higher meat content. A pressure sensor (124) automatically activates the first transducer to generate sonic energy, when the transducers are pressed with a predetermined force against the part of the seafood animal. The transducers can be mounted on a glove (92) between the thumb (T) and an opposed finger (F), so the part can be tested when it is picked up by a person wearing the glove.