Prawns and Shrimp are the two most popular seafoods in the world. As they both look somewhat similar, they possess different characteristics. So what exactly comes to your mind? What are prawns and shrimps? Are they the same in any way, or are they different from each other, with their names only?
In this article, we will tell you about prawns and shrimps and their differences in detail.
What Are Prawns?
Prawns are fascinating little creatures that look a lot like shrimp, and it’s easy to confuse the two. These crustaceans are mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere, although some types also live in the Northern Hemisphere. They belong to the same extended sea family as crabs and lobsters, but with their unique features. One big difference? Prawns breathe through a different kind of gill system than shrimp do. You’ll usually find them in calm, freshwater or slightly salty waters, rather than rough open seas.
Prawns Scientific Classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Dendrobranchiata |
| Scientific Name | Dendrobranchiata |
Prawns Conservation Status: Least Concern
Prawns Facts | |
|---|---|
| Main Prey (an animal that is hunted and killed for food by another animal) | Big Fish, Big Insects, and Plankton |
| Optimum pH Level | 6.5 - 9.0 |
| Habitat | Rocky, coastal waters |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Average Litter Size | 100 |
| Favorite Food of Prawns | Fish |
| Type of water where they live | Fresh, Brackish, Salt |
| Common Name | Prawn |
Prawns Physical Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Color | Grey Black White Pink |
| Skin Type | Shell |
| Lifespan | 2-4 years |
Fun Prawns Facts
| Fact | Details |
| What are they? | Prawns are small, aquatic crustaceans — similar to shrimp but not the same. |
| How many types exist? | There are about 13 different species of prawns. |
| Reproduction is intense! | A single female can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs at a time. |
| They change colour! | Prawns can shift their colour depending on their surroundings. |
What Are Shrimps?
Shrimps are the small aquatic sea animals that belong to the crustacean family, just like crabs, lobsters and prawns. They have a thin, semi-transparent shell which is found in both saltwater and freshwater around the world.
Shrimps Scientific Classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Order | Decapoda |
| Family | Caridea |
Shrimp Locations
- Africa
- Asia
- Central-America
- Eurasia
- Europe
- North-America
- Ocean
- Oceania
- South-America
Shrimps Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Shrimps Facts | |
|---|---|
| Category | Details |
| Common Name | Shrimp |
| Type | Crustacean |
| Group Behavior | Lives in schools (groups) |
| Main Diet | Omnivore — eats snails, worms, dead shrimp, small fish |
| Favorite Food | Tiny fish |
| Predators | Crabs, sea urchins, starfish, seabirds, whales, sharks, seahorses, dolphins, and humans |
| Biggest Threat | Being eaten by other marine animals |
| Habitat | Found in water bodies all around the world |
| Estimated Population | In the millions |
| Fun Fact | Around 23% of shrimp species live in freshwater |
| Most Distinctive Feature | Has 10 legs |
| Gestation Period | 2–3 weeks |
| Average Clutch Size | Up to 500,000 eggs |
| Optimum Water pH | Between 7.0 and 9.5 |
| Slogan | “There are 2,000 different species worldwide!” |
Prawns vs. Shrimps: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Shrimp | Prawns |
| Scientific Suborder | Pleocyemata | Dendrobranchiata |
| Habitat | Mostly saltwater (oceans, seas) | Mostly freshwater or brackish water |
| Size | Usually smaller | Generally larger (though size can vary by species) |
| Claws | Claws on two pairs of legs | Claws on three pairs of legs |
| Shell Structure | Second segment overlaps first and third, creating a bend in the body | Segments overlap in order, giving a straighter body |
| Gills | Plate-like gills | Branch-like gills |
| Flavor | Mild, sweet flavor | Slightly sweeter and firmer texture |
| Price | Often more affordable | Tends to be a bit pricier |
| Use in Recipes | Common in global cuisines, especially in shrimp boils, curries, stir-fries | Used in similar ways, especially in Asian, Australian, and UK dishes |
| Reproductive Method | Carries fertilized eggs under the body | Releases eggs directly into the water |
Conclusion
While prawns and shrimp often end up on the same plate and even look quite similar, they are far from being the same creature. From their body structure and habitat to how they reproduce and even how they taste, each has its own unique set of characteristics.
Prawns tend to prefer freshwater and have a straighter body with three pairs of clawed legs, while shrimp usually live in saltwater and have a more curved body with two clawed leg pairs. Despite their differences, both play vital roles in marine ecosystems—and in our kitchens!
So, next time you see “shrimp” or “prawn” on a menu or at the market, you’ll know exactly what sets them apart. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about marine life, understanding these subtle differences helps you appreciate just how diverse and fascinating ocean creatures can be.
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