Uncovering the Largest Shrimp Species Found in the World

Shrimp come in all shapes and sizes from tiny cocktail shrimp to massive tiger prawns. But what are the absolute biggest shrimp out there? Let’s dive into the giants of the shrimp world and explore what makes certain species so huge.

Defining Shrimp vs Prawns

First, a quick note on terminology – shrimp and prawns are often used interchangeably in cooking. But scientifically, they are different suborders of crustaceans.

Some key differences:

• Shrimp have claws on two pairs of legs, prawns have three
• Shrimp are bendier, prawns have stiffer bodies
• Shrimp carry eggs on their underside, prawns release eggs into water

However, both types come in an array of sizes and are very similar in taste and texture. So in everyday use, prawns and shrimp can be switched without issue.

In this article, we’ll look at giant sizes among both groups when discussing the biggest shrimp worldwide.

Factors Contributing to Shrimp Size

Many elements can influence how big certain shrimp species grow:

• Genetics – Some are genetically predisposed to greater size
• Habitat – Access to abundant food sources helps maximize growth
• Age – The longer they live, the larger they become
• Temperature – Warmer waters speed up metabolism and growth
• Depth – Some thrive in deeper, colder waters
• Predators – Lack of threats lets them reach full size potential

Under perfect conditions with their ideal environment and food sources, many shrimp can achieve impressive proportions.

The 5 Largest Shrimp Species in the World

From whale sharks of the shrimp world to monster crustaceans that tip the scales, these are the five biggest shrimp found globally:

1. Giant Tiger Prawn

• Maximum Size: 33 cm
• Average Size: 25 cm
• Weight: 0.5 kg
• Location: Indo-Pacific region

With a length over a foot long, the aptly named giant tiger prawn takes the top spot for largest shrimp species. They earn their name from distinctive dark banding that resembles a tiger’s stripes. These hefty crustaceans can weigh up to a pound each.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, they inhabit tropical and subtropical waters from East Africa to Hawaii. Their large size and sweet, succulent meat make them a prime seafood choice. They are farmed commercially in many countries.

2. Giant Freshwater Prawn

• Maximum Size: 30 cm
• Average Size: 18 cm
• Weight: 0.35 kg
• Location: Indo-Pacific region

Found in fresh and brackish waters from India to the Philippines, these monsters can rival tiger prawns in size. Their scientific name is macrobrachium rosenbergii.

Males are generally much smaller than females, which account for most of the exceptionally large specimens. Their pinkish-gray bodies turn more red when cooked.

These prawns are another commercially important aquaculture species in many Asian countries. Their tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make them a culinary favorite.

3. Pacific White Shrimp

• Maximum Size: 23 cm
• Average Size: 15 cm
• Weight: 0.15 kg
• Location: Eastern Pacific Ocean

The largest of the shrimp species, Pacific whites can reach nearly a foot long. Their translucent bodies help camouflage them against predators.

They range along the American Pacific coast from California down to Peru. Fishing and farming them is economically important across the region. Their mild taste works well in a variety of dishes.

4. Green Tiger Prawn

• Maximum Size: 20 cm
• Average Size: 13 cm
• Weight: 0.12 kg
• Location: Indo-Pacific

Recognizable by their dark green and black stripes, green tiger prawns inhabit tropical waters from East Africa to Oceania. They grow up to 8 inches long and over 4 ounces.

Fun fact – green tiger prawns and giant tiger prawns are different species, despite the similar names and patterns. Green tigers stay a bit smaller on average. Their meat has a sweet, lobster-like flavor.

5. Northern Prawn

• Maximum Size: 18 cm
• Average Size: 13 cm
• Weight: 0.09 kg
• Location: North Atlantic Ocean

In the cold waters of the North Atlantic from Canada to Norway lives the northern prawn. It’s the largest shrimp species in that region.

Mature females reach around 7 inches long and 2.5 ounces in weight. Their reddish-orange shells turn bright pink when cooked. They have a rich, robust, and slightly sweet taste.

Notable Mentions: Other Large Species

While not record breakers, here are a few other hefty shrimp varieties:

• King prawns – Up to 9 inches long
• Akiami paste shrimp – Around 8 inches maximum
• Indian white prawn – Can reach 7 inches
• Western king prawn – Grow over 6 inches

So while typical shrimp served at restaurants or sold at markets average from 2-4 inches, certain jumbo species can dwarf that by 3-4 times!

Traits of Large Shrimp Species

After looking at the biggest shrimp out there, some common traits emerge:

• Most are found in warmer tropical or subtropical waters
• They tend to inhabit deeper rather than shallow waters
• Most of the giants are prawns rather than true shrimp
• They are highly valued for aquaculture worldwide
• Large size makes them highly desirable for culinary use
• Many have distinct banding or color patterns

So if you spot shrimp on a menu measuring over 6 inches or so, chances are it comes from one of these monster species!

Size Variation Within Each Species

It’s worth noting even a given species has an enormous range when it comes to size. Take tiger prawns for example:

• Minimum – Can be as small as 4 inches
• Average – Around 8-12 inches is common
• Maximum – The largest reach lengths over 12 inches

Factors like genetics, diet, age, and habitat impact each individual’s growth. The biggest in a species are exceptional specimens living in optimal conditions. But smaller sizes within a type are perfectly normal too.

Biggest Ever Recorded: A 36 cm Giant Tiger Prawn

The largest shrimp ever documented was a mammoth tiger prawn caught off the coast of Scotland in 2016 that measured 36 cm long (over 14 inches) and weighed a staggering 0.68 kg (1.5 pounds)!

It was an incredible specimen likely decades old. That breaks the previous known record for a shrimp by nearly 3 cm. Suffice to say, you would need quite a large pot and appetite to cook up this shrimp behemoth!

Are Bigger Shrimp Always Better?

For such giant shrimp, bigger means:

• More meat – Greater edible portion per shrimp
• Impressive presentation – Visual wow factor on platters or dishes
• Milder taste – More subtle flavor than small shrimp
• Higher price – More valuable and exclusive

However, colossal shrimp also have some drawbacks:

• Less flavorful – Subtler seafood taste than small shrimp
• Tougher texture – Can become rubbery when cooked
• Higher price – Not cost-effective for many diners
• Harder to eat – Messier and challenging to handle
• Availability – Not always easy to source huge sizes

So while ginormous shrimp are amazing for their sheer size and visual impact, smaller shrimp often pack more flavor and tenderness ounce for ounce. It comes down to personal preference!

Finding the Largest Shrimp for Cooking

If seeking out supersized shrimp, here are some tips:

• Check seasonal availability for certain species

• Look for descriptors like “jumbo,” “colossal,” or measurements like 16/20 count per pound

• Ask your local fish market what their largest sizes are

• Special order heads-on extra large specimens for the full visual effect

• Opt for wild-caught over farm-raised to increase chances of finding bigger shrimp

• Be prepared to pay a higher price for exotic monster shrimp varietals

While availability varies by location, seeking out specialty seafood purveyors or high-end grocers expands your chances of finding behemoth shrimp sizes for a special occasion.

Cooking Considerations for Huge Shrimp

When tackling preparation for mega shrimp, keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid overcooking – their size makes them prone to becoming rubbery

• Season more mildly – their sweet flavor doesn’t need strong spices

• Use moist cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or sautéing

• Remove the shell but leave the tail on for presentation