Is Shrimp the Same as Prawn? Unraveling the Myths and Misconceptions

Shrimp and prawns are two of the most popular shellfish around. Their succulent meat, sweet flavor, and versatility in the kitchen make them a staple in cuisines across the globe. However, there is a lot of confusion about whether shrimp and prawns are actually the same thing.

Many people use the terms interchangeably, assuming they refer to the same animal in different sizes. But this is far from the truth – shrimp and prawns are completely distinct creatures. While closely related, they have some key differences in anatomy, habitat, taste, and culinary usage.

In this article, we’ll unravel the mysteries around shrimp and prawns, and settle the debate once and for all on whether these shellfish are one and the same. Read on to learn how to tell them apart, how they taste different, and how to use them correctly in recipes.

Distinguishing Features of Shrimp and Prawns

While shrimp and prawns bear a close resemblance, they actually belong to different suborders of the decapod order Decapods are sea creatures characterized by their 10 legs, which includes crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and of course shrimp and prawns. Here are some of the main distinguishing features of shrimp versus prawns

Gills Shrimp have lamellar (plate-like) gills while prawns have branching gills.
Body shape Shrimp have a curved body where the thorax overlaps both the head and abdomen. Prawns have a straight body where each section overlaps the one behind it
Legs: Prawns have three pairs of claw-like legs including their front big pincers. Shrimp only have two pairs of claw-like legs.
Reproduction: Female shrimp carry eggs under their bellies, while prawns release eggs into the water.
Size: Prawns are generally larger than shrimp. Jumbo shrimp can reach a similar size to an average prawn.

So in essence, prawns have more leg claws, larger front pincers, and differ in body shape, gill type, and reproduction compared to shrimp. While size is not a reliable identifier, prawns tend to be the bigger cousins of shrimp.

Habitats: Freshwater vs Saltwater

Another difference between shrimp and prawns lies in their preferred habitats. Although both can be found in fresh and saltwater:

Most shrimp species live in saltwater environments like the ocean. Only around 23% are freshwater species.
The majority of prawn species thrive in freshwater like rivers, lakes, and streams. Some key exceptions are saltwater prawns like the giant tiger prawn.

So while it’s not a hard and fast rule, shrimp more often come from saltwater while prawns inhabit freshwater ecosystems. The type of water they live in impacts their flavor profile as well as anatomy.

Flavor and Culinary Uses

Since they come from different habitats and have distinct anatomies, do shrimp and prawns also taste different? This is a highly debated topic:

Some say prawns have a slightly sweeter, more lobster-like flavor compared to shrimp. The sweetness comes from compounds like free amino acids.
Others argue any taste differences come down to specific species, not the broader category of shrimp versus prawn.
In terms of texture, prawns are sometimes considered firmer and meatier due to their size.

So while some nuances may exist, shrimp and prawns have far more similarities than differences when it comes to flavor. Their taste is mild, sweet, and versatile enough to pair well with a myriad of seasonings and cuisines.

In the kitchen, shrimp and prawns can typically be used interchangeably in recipes without much difference to the end result. Their shared sweet brininess enhances dishes from shrimp scampi to prawn curries alike. Simply adjust the cook time slightly for larger prawns.

Shrimp Varieties vs Prawn Species

Over 2,000 species of shrimp exist, while only around 20 species are considered true prawns. Here are some of the most common varieties found on menus and in fish markets:

Popular shrimp species:

Whiteleg shrimp: The most commonly farmed shrimp, these are a popular choice for shrimp scampi and shrimp cocktail.
Black tiger shrimp: Named for the black stripes on their shells, they have a robust flavor ideal for grilling.
Rock shrimp: Small in size with firm meat, making them perfect for shrimp tacos or fried shrimp dishes.
Pink shrimp: Turn bright pink when cooked, and are delicious battered or breaded shrimp.

Common prawn species:

Giant tiger prawn: The largest species with a faint black stripe, possessing a sweet mild flavor.
King prawns: Can grow up to 18 inches long and are a delicacy in many seafood dishes.
Redclaw prawn: Named for their red-tipped claws, they are a sweet freshwater species.
Spot prawns: Have a distinctive white spot on their shells and firm texture.

While recipes may use “shrimp” and “prawns” interchangeably, knowing the exact species can help select the best size, texture, and flavor.

Nutrition Comparison

How do shrimp and prawns stack up against each other nutritionally? Here are some key similarities and differences:

Both are very high in protein, providing around 20g protein per 3 oz serving.
They contain a similar cholesterol content, around 165mg per 3 oz.
Prawns tend to be slightly higher in calories, providing 100 calories vs. shrimp’s 80 calories per 3 oz.
Shrimp have higher levels of antioxidant selenium than prawns.
Prawns contain more vitamin B12.

Overall, shrimp and prawns are nearly identical nutritionally. Both deliver ample protein and minerals like selenium in a low calorie package.

Regional Names and Confusion

One of the biggest reasons for the confusion between shrimp and prawns is that their names are used interchangeably in different parts of the world:

In the UK, Ireland, Australia and some other Commonwealth countries, “prawn” is used as the general term for these shellfish species.
In North America, “shrimp” is much more common, while “prawn” refers to larger species.
In some parts of the US, “shrimp” may denote saltwater species, while “prawns” are freshwater.

So while the naming conventions differ regionally, shrimp and prawns remain two distinct types of shellfish. Being aware of their key physical and culinary differences will help distinguish between the two.

The Takeaway

Shrimp and prawns are closely related crustaceans that are easy to mix up. However, they have several key physical differences including their gills, body shape, legs, and claws. While their flavor is similar, shrimp tend to live in saltwater while prawns prefer freshwater habitats. The terms “shrimp” and “prawn” are also used interchangeably in different parts of the world, adding to the confusion. But no matter what they are called, both make a delicious and nutritious addition to seafood recipes.

So the next time you come across a shrimp vs. prawn debate, you can set the record straight on how these popular shellfish differ. Knowing how to tell them apart will help you pick the best varieties and use them properly in the kitchen.

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This post originally appeared in an edition of What’s the Difference?, a weekly newsletter for the curious and confused by New York City writer Brette Warshaw. Eater will be publishing all editions that parse food-related differences, though those hardly scratch the surface of the world’s (and the newsletter’s) curiosities: Sign up to get What’s the Difference? in your inbox or catch up on the full archive.

There are few crustaceans as misunderstood as the shrimp and the prawn. Some people think they’re the same, while others think the only difference is size, and still others think they’re just called different things in different states, regions, or countries. And yet: all of these people are wrong! Shrimp and prawns are completely different creatures. The only thing they have in common is that they are both decapods, which means they have 10 legs that are attached to their bodies. Shrimp belong to the sub-order Pleocyemata, and prawns belong to the sub-order Dendrobranchiata. Let’s explore what this difference means, shall we?.

Gills: You may remember from ninth-grade biology that gills are built in a way that makes the most of their surface area. Shrimp have gills that look like plates and are arranged in flat, layered rows. Prawns, on the other hand, have gills that branch out, which is probably where the “branchiata” part of their name comes from.

Shrimp have claws on two sets of legs, and their front pincers are the biggest. There are claws on all three sets of prawn legs, and the back claws are bigger than the front ones.

Shape of the body: These decapods have four separate parts: the head, the thorax (the area behind the head), the abdomen (the “torso”), and the tail. In prawns, the head blends into the thorax, which then blends into the abdomen, like roof shingles. In shrimp, the thorax overlaps with both the head and the abdomen, like a cummerbund.

Prawns live in fresh water, while shrimp can be found in both fresh and salt water, though most species are found in salt water. If the shrimp comes from cold water, they are smaller. (I used to think the tiny shrimp in Scandinavian-style shrimp salads were creepy, but I no longer do.) ).

Size: Generally speaking, prawns are larger than shrimp — though this can differ depending on the species.

Taste: Anyone who tries to tell you that shrimp and prawns taste different is wrong. Some prawns are sweeter than shrimp, and some shrimp are sweeter than prawns. But this is only true for certain species, not for the sub-orders as a whole.

What is the difference between a prawn and a shrimp?

FAQ

What is the difference between a prawn and a shrimp?

A lot of the differences between the two species involve their biology. Shrimp bodies are encased in a sort of accordion shell, with a membrane between the segments, which makes them super flexible and bendy. Prawns have a shell where each segment overlaps the one below it, giving them a stiffer body and less movement.

Do shrimp and prawns taste the same?

Prawns and shrimp are similar in texture and taste, so it’s difficult to distinguish between them. However, some may say that prawns are meatier and sweeter when compared to shrimp. There are many ways to cook prawns and shrimp. They can be fried, grilled, sauteed, steamed, or broiled.

Do we eat shrimp or prawn?

Shrimp and prawn are types of sea animals that are consumed worldwide. Although shrimp and prawns belong to different suborders of Decapoda, they are very similar in appearance and the terms are often used interchangeably in commercial farming and wild fisheries.

Is a shrimp a tiny prawn?

In most cases, shrimp are smaller than prawns. But don’t use this as the only marker for deciphering between the two as there can be large shrimp that are bigger than a typical prawn. Taste is also not a way of telling the two crustaceans apart.

Are shrimp and prawns the same?

Although both shrimp and prawns are ten-legged creatures, they have some differences. Shrimp have one pair of legs with claws at the end, while prawns have three pairs with claws. Additionally, prawns have longer legs in relation to their body size than shrimp of similar size.

Can shrimp be used instead of prawns?

Shrimp and prawns can be substituted for one another, but they are not the same animal. Here are a few key differences between shrimp and prawns.

Are prawns shellfish?

Yes, prawns are shellfish. They, along with shrimp, have varying culinary applications.

Are prawns the same as crabs?

Yes, prawns, shrimp, lobsters, and crabs all belong to the same broader taxonomic order, Decapoda, but they are classified into different families. How long for pork butt?