From mini to colossal and everything in between, simply ordering shrimp at the grocery store can feel overwhelming. You only want scampi for dinner, but all of a sudden, the seafood counter is filled with sizing terms that make your head spin!
Shrimp are a beloved seafood, lending sweet and briny flavor to dishes across cuisines. But not all shrimp are created equal. While petite cocktail shrimp may be familiar party fare, shrimp species exist that reach much more monstrous sizes.
From tiger prawns over a foot long to two-pound lobster-like shrimp, giant shrimp varieties pay testament to the incredible diversity and extremes of the marine world. Let’s explore 5 leviathan shrimp species that prowl the oceans across the globe
1. Giant Tiger Prawn
The aptly named giant tiger prawn claims the title of largest shrimp in the U.S. and ranks among the biggest globally. Reaching lengths over 30 cm (12 inches) and weights exceeding 0.9 kg (2 lbs), these shrimp kings can make a meal for one.
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, giant tiger prawns have a dark brown or black body striped with bands of white on the tail. They inhabit warm coastal waters and estuaries where they feed on small fish, crustaceans and algae. Highly prized for food, they are farmed extensively in many countries.
Accidentally introduced to the U.S. in the 1980s, giant tiger prawns are now found in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Their large size and voracious appetites make them a concern as an invasive species.
2. California Spot Prawn
The California spot prawn rivals its tiger cousin, reaching 25 cm (10 inches) long and 0.25 kg (0.6 lbs) in weight. True to its name, it lives along the Pacific coast from Alaska to the Baja California peninsula.
With a translucent pinkish-red body marked by distinctive white spots on the sides, these sizable crustaceans prefer rocky habitats at depths up to 250 m (820 ft) Spot prawns are prized for food and carefully managed as a sustainable fishery
3. Giant Freshwater Prawn
Shrimp aren’t only found in seas and oceans. Giant freshwater prawns live in tropical rivers and lakes across Asia, Oceania and Africa. They hold the distinction of being the largest freshwater invertebrate.
Reaching 20 cm (8 inches) in length, these nocturnal predators feed on small fish, snails, insects and vegetation. They are eaten as food and even raised via aquaculture in some regions. Their large size helps them avoid predation by fish and turtles.
4. Whiteleg Shrimp
Native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, whiteleg shrimp are aptly named for their pale whitish coloring on the legs and antennae. They reach lengths around 23 cm (9 inches) and weigh up to 0.15 kg (0.3 lb).
These large shrimp inhabit warm coastal waters from Mexico to Peru where they feed on algae, small fish and invertebrates. Valued for food, whiteleg shrimp represent one of the most extensively farmed shrimp species globally.
5. Giant Oceanic Mantis Shrimp
For a truly bizarre-looking giant shrimp, look no further than the giant oceanic mantis shrimp which roams tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Reaching lengths of over 30 cm (12 inches), they have an alien appearance with huge bulging eyes, a stubby tail and raptorial front legs.
Despite their name, mantis shrimp are neither mantises nor true shrimp, belonging to a unique taxonomic group called stomatopods. They punch prey with incredible speed using hammer-like front appendages. The punch accelerates faster than a .22 caliber bullet.
While not fished commercially, a few courageous connoisseurs eat mantis shrimp. Their aggressive and evasive nature makes them challenging prey.
Honorable Mentions
Several other shrimp push the boundaries of extreme size:
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Pink shrimp – Abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, these shrimp reach 20 cm (8 inches) long.
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Blue shrimp – Found off the U.S. Atlantic Coast, blue shrimp grow to 20 cm (8 inches).
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Brown shrimp – Common in the Gulf of Mexico, brown shrimp hit 18 cm (7 inches) long.
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Empress shrimp – Large shrimp of the deep sea, up to 18 cm (7 inches) long.
Why So Big?
Many factors give rise to these super-sized shrimp species, including:
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Long life spans – Giant shrimp like tiger prawns can live 3 years, allowing much time for growth.
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Warmer water – Warm tropical and subtropical seas tend to host larger shrimp species.
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Abundant food – Large shrimp thrive where food is plentiful.
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Predator avoidance – Size helps giant shrimp avoid predators, especially in freshwater.
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Human cultivation – Farming practices selectively breed shrimp like tiger prawns for larger size.
Big Shrimp, Big Flavor
While not common supermarket fare, enthusiasts seek out these Brobdingnagian shrimp species for their sweet briny taste and lobster-like texture when cooked. Their large size also makes them a showstopper at the center of the dinner plate.
Yet for all their appeal to humans, giant shrimp play an important role in ocean, coastal and freshwater food chains. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem with ample food resources. Protecting habitats that support Earth’s largest shrimp helps ensure stability of aquatic environments for all species, great and small.
So next time you enjoy a shrimp cocktail or stir fry, remember the shrimp titans that prowl seas, lakes and rivers across the planet. Though rarely seen, these monster crustaceans add to the wonder and biodiversity of aquatic life.
How to Choose the Right Shrimp Size
Consider the recipe, cooking method, personal preference, and presentation needs when selecting the size. Smaller sizes are ideal for sautéing or stir-frying, while larger sizes work best for grilling or roasting. Experiment until you find your preference, and impress your guests with the perfect shrimp size.
Matching Shrimp Size to Cooking Method
Shrimp of different sizes have very different tastes and textures, so some sizes work better in some dishes than others.
- Small to medium-sized shrimp are great for quick stir-fries and sautés because they cook quickly and stay tender while soaking up sauces and spices.
- Large or extra-large shrimp can be easily grilled, baked, or seared in a pan. When they are cooked right, they have a bigger bite while still being tender.
- If you want to grill or broil shrimp as a main dish, jumbo shrimp are best because they have a strong flavor and a firm texture that lets them cook for longer without getting tough or overdone.
- Because they have more meat to surface area, colossal shrimp are great for deep-frying or breading. They also have a great crunch when battered and fried.
Remember to ensure proper doneness for food safety reasons, regardless of the cooking method chosen. Overcooking any shrimp of any size can lead to tough and rubbery food. By choosing the right shrimp size for each dish and cooking them in the right way, you can improve your cooking skills and make sure everyone has a great meal.
If shrimp cocktails are on the menu, we strongly recommend this homemade cocktail sauce.
Larger shrimp are better for main courses, while smaller ones are ideal for appetizers. Also, think about how you want to cook them. Bigger ones cook faster when grilled or broiling, while smaller ones cook faster when sautéed or stir-fried.