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Prawn vs. Cockroach — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Prawn, a type of seafood, is a marine crustacean harvested for its edible qualities; whereas a cockroach, an insect, is a common household pest known for its resilience.
Prawn vs. Cockroach — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Prawn and Cockroach

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Key Differences

Prawns belong to the crustacean family, living mostly in water and are considered valuable in culinary contexts, especially in seafood cuisine. Whereas cockroaches are insects, often associated with unhygienic conditions and are commonly found in homes and commercial properties.
In terms of physical appearance, prawns have a segmented body covered with a hard exoskeleton and are usually larger than most freshwater species. On the other hand, cockroaches are identified by their flat, oval bodies and long antennae, adapting easily to various environments.
Prawns are harvested and farmed globally, prized for their sweet, delicate flavor that makes them a favorite in many dishes. Cockroaches, however, are widely regarded as pests due to their role in spreading germs and causing allergic reactions.
Prawns lay eggs in water, which develop into larvae and contribute to aquatic ecosystems. Cockroaches lay eggs in oothecae, which are tough cases that protect the eggs until they hatch, often in crevices or hidden locations.
From a nutritional perspective, prawns are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, beneficial for human health. Cockroaches, while also protein-rich, are generally not considered food in most cultures due to their association with dirt and disease.
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Comparison Chart

Classification

Crustacean
Insect

Habitat

Aquatic environments
Terrestrial environments

Role in Human Culture

Commonly eaten as seafood
Considered a pest

Body Structure

Segmented with exoskeleton
Flat, oval body with long antennae

Nutritional Value

High in protein and nutrients
Not typically consumed

Compare with Definitions

Prawn

A small marine crustacean similar to a shrimp.
Grilled prawns are a highlight of the seaside restaurant's menu.

Cockroach

Often regarded as a sign of unsanitary conditions.
The infestation of cockroaches was a clear sign the apartment needed a deep cleaning.

Prawn

Harvested from both wild and farmed sources.
Farmed prawns are available year-round at the market.

Cockroach

Reproduces quickly, making infestation control challenging.
Cockroaches breed rapidly, complicating efforts to exterminate them.

Prawn

Can be cooked in numerous ways.
She loves her prawns sautéed with garlic and herbs.

Cockroach

Can spread various diseases.
Cockroaches are known carriers of pathogens that can cause illness.

Prawn

Often used in various cuisines globally.
Prawn curry is a popular dish in coastal regions.

Cockroach

Subject of numerous studies on insect behavior and physiology.
Researchers study cockroaches to understand insect locomotion.

Prawn

Considered a delicacy in many cultures.
Prawns are often reserved for special occasions like weddings.

Cockroach

A common household insect known for its survival abilities.
Cockroaches can survive without food for a month.

Prawn

Prawn is a common name for small aquatic crustaceans with an exoskeleton and ten legs (which is a member of the order decapoda), some of which can be eaten.The term "prawn" is used particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations, for large swimming crustaceans or shrimp, especially those with commercial significance in the fishing industry. Shrimp that are present in this category often belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata.

Cockroach

Cockroaches (or roaches) are insects of the order Blattodea, which also includes termites. About 30 cockroach species out of 4,600 are associated with human habitats.

Prawn

Any of various shrimps, especially one that is large or inhabits fresh water.

Cockroach

Any of numerous insects of the order or suborder Blattaria, having oval flat bodies and laying eggs in hardened cases, and including several species that are common household pests.

Prawn

The flesh of a prawn, used as food.

Cockroach

A black or brown straight-winged insect of the order Blattodea.

Prawn

To fish for prawns.

Cockroach

A person or a member of a group of people regarded as undesirable and rapidly procreating.

Prawn

A crustacean of the suborder Dendrobranchiata.

Cockroach

A Tutsi.

Prawn

(Commonwealth) A crustacean, sometimes confused with shrimp.

Cockroach

A person from New South Wales.

Prawn

Synonym of butterface: A woman with an attractive body but an unattractive face.
She's a prawn!

Cockroach

A hard lump of brown sugar.

Prawn

A fool, an idiot.

Cockroach

An orthopterous insect of the genus Blatta, and allied genera.

Prawn

Alternative form of porn.

Cockroach

Any of numerous chiefly nocturnal insects; some are domestic pests

Prawn

(intransitive) To fish for prawns.

Prawn

Any one of numerous species of large shrimplike Crustacea having slender legs and long antennæ. They mostly belong to the genera Pandalus, Palæmon, Palæmonetes, and Peneus, and are much used as food. The common English prawn is Palæmon serratus.

Prawn

Any of various edible decapod crustaceans

Prawn

Shrimp-like decapod crustacean having two pairs of pincers; most are edible

Prawn

Fish for prawns

Common Curiosities

What is a prawn?

A prawn is a type of edible marine crustacean similar to a shrimp, often used in culinary dishes.

What are the main differences between a prawn and a cockroach?

The main differences lie in their classification (crustacean vs. insect), habitat (aquatic vs. terrestrial), and role in human culture (food source vs. pest).

What is a cockroach?

A cockroach is a common insect that can be found in various environments but is often considered a pest in homes and businesses.

What do cockroaches eat?

Cockroaches are omnivores and can eat a wide range of organic matter, including decaying material.

Can you eat cockroaches?

While technically edible, cockroaches are not commonly consumed in most cultures due to their association with unsanitary conditions.

How do prawns reproduce?

Prawns reproduce by laying eggs in water, which then hatch into larvae.

Why are cockroaches considered pests?

Cockroaches are considered pests because they can contaminate food, spread disease, and are generally unwanted in human habitats.

Are cockroaches harmful?

Yes, cockroaches can spread diseases and cause allergies, making them harmful in domestic and commercial settings.

What do prawns eat?

Prawns typically feed on small particles like algae and tiny marine organisms.

How are prawns caught?

Prawns can be caught using nets in both wild and farmed conditions.

How do cockroaches reproduce?

Cockroaches reproduce by laying eggs in protective cases called oothecae.

Can cockroaches fly?

Some species of cockroaches have the ability to fly, although they are not adept flyers.

Where are cockroaches found?

Cockroaches can adapt to almost any environment but thrive in warm, moist conditions like those found in buildings.

Where are prawns found?

Prawns can be found in various aquatic environments, from freshwaters to deep seas.

Are prawns healthy to eat?

Yes, prawns are high in protein and contain various essential vitamins and minerals.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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