Shrimp vs. Prawns — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 2, 2023
Shrimp is a small crustaceans, typically marine. Prawns is a larger crustaceans, similar but biologically distinct.
Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shrimp and Prawns are both decapod crustaceans, but they belong to different suborders. Shrimp belong to the suborder Pleocyemata, while Prawns are classified under the suborder Dendrobranchiata.
Shrimp generally have a shorter body and a curved shape. They also have claws on two of their legs. Prawns, on the other hand, have a longer body and are straighter. They possess claws on three pairs of their legs.
Another difference lies in their gill structures. Shrimp have branching gills, while Prawns have lamellar gills, which are plate-like. These distinct gill structures are a key way to differentiate between the two.
In terms of habitat and size, Shrimp are typically found in saltwater, although some species inhabit freshwater. They tend to be smaller than Prawns. Prawns, conversely, are often found in freshwater, but many species thrive in saltwater. Generally, Prawns are larger and have a more robust flavor than Shrimp.
Lastly, the terms Shrimp and Prawns are sometimes used interchangeably in culinary contexts, especially in the US. However, from a biological perspective, Shrimp and Prawns are distinctly different species with unique characteristics.
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Comparison Chart
Suborder
Pleocyemata
Dendrobranchiata
Body Shape
Shorter and curved
Longer and straighter
Number of Clawed Legs
Two pairs of clawed legs
Three pairs of clawed legs
Gill Structure
Branching gills
Lamellar or plate-like gills
Typical Habitat
Mostly saltwater (some freshwater)
Often freshwater (many saltwater)
Compare with Definitions
Shrimp
Popular seafood in many cuisines.
Shrimp tacos are my favorite dish.
Prawns
Larger decapod crustaceans.
Prawns taste delicious when grilled.
Shrimp
Small marine crustaceans.
I love adding Shrimp to my pasta.
Prawns
Widely consumed in many global cuisines.
Prawn curry is a popular dish in many countries.
Shrimp
Have branching gills.
A biologist can identify Shrimp by examining their gills.
Prawns
Three pairs of their legs have claws.
Observing the claws on Prawns can be fascinating.
Shrimp
Often found in saltwater habitats.
We caught some Shrimp while fishing at the beach.
Prawns
Often bigger than Shrimp.
I prefer the meatier texture of Prawns over Shrimp.
Shrimp
Any of various small, chiefly marine, often edible decapod crustaceans that have a laterally compressed, elongated body with long antennae and long legs used for swimming. The shrimps include species belonging to the superfamily Penaeoidea of the suborder Dendrobranchiata and to the infraorder Caridea of the suborder Pleocyemata.
Prawns
Have lamellar gills.
Prawns can be differentiated from Shrimp by their gill structure.
Shrimp
The flesh of one of these crustaceans, used as food.
Prawns
Any of various shrimps, especially one that is large or inhabits fresh water.
Shrimp
Any of various similar crustaceans, such as a fairy shrimp.
Prawns
The flesh of a prawn, used as food.
Shrimp
Derogatory Slang A person who is small in stature.
Prawns
To fish for prawns.
Shrimp
To fish for shrimp.
Prawns
Plural of prawn
Shrimp
Any of many swimming, often edible, crustaceans, chiefly of the infraorder Caridea or the suborder Dendrobranchiata, with slender legs, long whiskers and a long abdomen.
Shrimp
(uncountable) The flesh of such crustaceans.
Shrimp
(slang) A small, puny or unimportant person.
Shrimp
Synonym of butterface: a person with an attractive body but unattractive face.
Shrimp
(intransitive) To fish for shrimp.
Shrimp
To contract; to shrink.
Shrimp
To contract; to shrink.
Shrimp
Any one of numerous species of macruran Crustacea belonging to Crangon and various allied genera, having a slender body and long legs. Many of them are used as food. The larger kinds are called also prawns. See Illust. of Decapoda.
Shrimp
Figuratively, a little wrinkled man; a dwarf; - in contempt.
This weak and writhled shrimp.
Shrimp
Disparaging terms for small people
Shrimp
Any of various edible decapod crustaceans
Shrimp
Small slender-bodied chiefly marine decapod crustaceans with a long tail and single pair of pincers; many species are edible
Shrimp
Fish for shrimp
Shrimp
Have a distinctive curved body.
The Shrimp's curved shape makes it easy to identify.
Common Curiosities
Do Shrimp and Prawns have different gill structures?
Yes, Shrimp have branching gills, while Prawns have lamellar or plate-like gills.
Are Prawns mostly freshwater or saltwater creatures?
Prawns can be found in both, but many are often associated with freshwater habitats.
And how about Prawns? How many clawed legs do they have?
Prawns have claws on three pairs of their legs.
Which is generally larger, Shrimp or Prawns?
Prawns are typically larger than Shrimp.
How many clawed legs do Shrimp have?
Shrimp have claws on two pairs of their legs.
Are Prawns meatier than Shrimp?
Generally, due to their larger size, Prawns tend to have a meatier texture compared to Shrimp.
Is it easy to differentiate between Shrimp and Prawns by looking at them?
While they have distinct differences, in many culinary contexts, they might look similar. Biologically, differences like gill structure can determine the distinction.
In which countries are Prawns more commonly consumed?
Prawns are popular in many countries, especially in parts of Asia, Europe, and Australia.
What are the main suborders for Shrimp and Prawns?
Shrimp belong to the suborder Pleocyemata, while Prawns belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata.
Are Shrimp and Prawns the same?
No, Shrimp and Prawns are biologically distinct, although the terms are often used interchangeably in culinary contexts.
Do Shrimp have a curved body?
Yes, Shrimp typically have a shorter, curved body.
Which is more popular in culinary dishes, Shrimp or Prawns?
Both are popular, but the choice often depends on regional preferences and dish specifics.
Can Shrimp be found in freshwater?
While many Shrimp are saltwater creatures, some species do inhabit freshwater.
Do both Shrimp and Prawns taste the same?
While they have similar flavors, many believe Prawns to have a more robust flavor than Shrimp.
Do Prawns have a straighter body compared to Shrimp?
Yes, Prawns generally have a longer and straighter body than Shrimp.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza 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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
