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 (18), extending the tail so that it assumes a substantially horizontal position, piercing the tail with the tip (44) of a nozzle (40) 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.