Shrimp vs. Prawn: Key Differences You Should Know

1. Anatomy: 

Shrimps have lamellar (plate-like) gills and two pairs of claws, while prawns feature branching gills with three pairs of clawed legs, giving them a longer, straighter body form. Additionally, their body segmentation differs: shrimps’ body segments overlap, creating flexibility, while prawns have straighter segments that don’t overlap.

2. Habitat: 

Shrimps inhabit both saltwater and freshwater environments, often found in coastal and estuarine areas. Prawns, however, prefer warmer freshwater habitats, which further contributes to their distinction.

3. Culinary Usage: 

Interestingly, size and region often dictate how these crustaceans are labeled in cooking and markets. Larger specimens are frequently called “prawns,” while smaller ones are referred to as “shrimp,” despite their actual species classification. This overlap in terminology can lead to confusion in recipes and seafood selections.

So, next time you’re at a seafood market or restaurant, you’ll know that what’s labeled a “prawn” or “shrimp” might reflect its size or local preferences rather than true biological differences.

Cre: Eman Abo Shady

Contact AQUA MINA for consultation and supply of aquaculture round tanks and aquaculture equipment for high-tech shrimp farming.

- Address: 685 National Highway 1A, Binh Hung Hoa Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City

- Phone: 1800 6071 (Toll-free hotline)

- Email: sales@aquamina.com.vn or oversea@aquamina.com.vn

Aqua Mina's distributor in Japan:  

REX INDUSTRIES CO., LTD  

- Address: 1-9-3 Hishiya-Higashi, Higashi-Osaka 578-0948 JAPAN  

- Email: kimakubo@rexind.co.jp  

- Phone: +81-(0)72-961-9893  

- Website: http://www.rexind.co.jp/e/

• Portuguese food group acquires 18% stake in cod farming company Norcod

• Indonesia implements radioactive-free shrimp certification for exports to the United States

• India is world’s second-largest shrimp producer. That is now under threat

• Ca Mau’s shrimp industry moves towards “green” growth

• Floods devastate aquaculture, processing operations in Vietnam

• Ecuador Leads Global Shrimp Exports, Surpassing USD 7 Billion in 2025

• India's marine product exports rise 16% as new markets offset US dip

• Skretting presents the first shrimp feed with insect meal in Vietnam

• Sharing: EU increases shrimp imports in the first 9 months of the year

• Gideon De Oro opens high tech Cebu shrimp plant, to revive exports

• White-leg shrimp facing WSSV: When density and environment fluctuate together