Prawn vs. Shrimp: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Prawns and shrimp are both crustaceans, differing in their gill structure and body shape; prawns have branching gills, a straighter body, and claws on three pairs of legs, while shrimp have lamellar gills, a curved body, and claws on two pairs.
Key Differences
Prawns belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata, characterized by branching gills and a body structure where the second abdominal segment overlaps both the first and third segments. Shrimp, on the other hand, are part of the suborder Pleocyemata, which features lamellar (plate-like) gills, and their second abdominal segment overlaps only the third segment.
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Nov 17, 2023
Prawns generally have a straighter body and longer legs compared to shrimp. They also possess claws on three pairs of their legs. Shrimp have a distinctively curved body and shorter legs, with claws on only two pairs of legs. This physical distinction is one of the easiest ways to differentiate them visually.
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Prawns are often found in fresh and brackish waters, and they tend to be larger and less mobile compared to shrimp. Shrimp are predominantly found in saltwater, are typically smaller, and exhibit more swimming behavior, which is why they're often found near the bottom of bodies of water.
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In culinary terms, prawns and shrimp can often be used interchangeably, though prawns are sometimes perceived as more premium due to their size. Shrimp, with their distinct flavor and texture, are a staple in various cuisines and are often more readily available in markets.
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Both prawns and shrimp are rich in protein, low in calories, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. However, prawns have a slightly higher cholesterol content than shrimp, which can be a consideration for dietary choices.
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Often found in fresh and brackish waters
Predominantly found in saltwater
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Prawn and Shrimp Definitions
Prawn
An edible crustacean distinct from shrimp in its physical structure.
The pasta was topped with succulent, buttered prawns.
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Shrimp
An aquatic creature often harvested for its meat, smaller than prawns.
Frozen shrimp are convenient for quick meals.
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Prawn
A large, long-legged crustacean found in both fresh and saltwater.
The chef prepared a dish featuring grilled prawns with garlic and herbs.
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Shrimp
A term used in various dishes, from shrimp scampi to shrimp fried rice.
Shrimp tacos with fresh salsa make for a delicious meal.
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Prawn
A shellfish similar to shrimp, often larger and used in various cuisines.
Prawn curry is a popular dish in coastal regions.
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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.
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Prawn
A term often used interchangeably with shrimp in culinary contexts.
Barbecued prawns are a favorite at beachside cookouts.
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Prawn
Any of various shrimps, especially one that is large or inhabits fresh water.
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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.
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Prawn
Synonym of butterface: A woman with an attractive body but an unattractive face.
She's a prawn!
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Shrimp
Synonym of butterface: a person with an attractive body but unattractive face.
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Prawn
Any one of numerous species of large shrimplike Crustacea having slender legs and long antennæ. They mostly belong to the genera Pandalus, Palæmon, Palæmonetes, and Peneus, and are much used as food. The common English prawn is Palæmon serratus.
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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.
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Prawn
Shrimp-like decapod crustacean having two pairs of pincers; most are edible
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Shrimp
Figuratively, a little wrinkled man; a dwarf; - in contempt.
This weak and writhled shrimp.
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Prawn
A type of seafood characterized by a straight body and branching gills.
Fresh prawns were being sold at the local seafood market.
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Shrimp
Small slender-bodied chiefly marine decapod crustaceans with a long tail and single pair of pincers; many species are edible
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Shrimp
A small, curved crustacean commonly found in marine environments.
Shrimp cocktails are a classic appetizer at many restaurants.
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Shrimp
A type of seafood with a distinctively sweet taste and firm texture.
He added shrimp to the stir-fry for some extra protein.
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Shrimp
A popular ingredient in many cuisines, known for its quick cooking time.
The chef seasoned the shrimp with spices before grilling them.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a prawn?
A prawn is a large crustacean related to shrimp, with a straight body and branching gills.
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Are prawns or shrimp healthier?
Both are healthy, low-calorie sources of protein, though prawns have slightly more cholesterol.
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Can prawns and shrimp be used interchangeably in cooking?
Yes, prawns and shrimp are often used interchangeably in recipes.
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What is a shrimp?
A shrimp is a small, curved crustacean often found in marine environments.
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How do you identify a prawn?
Prawns have a straighter body and branching gills.
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Where are shrimp commonly found?
Shrimp are predominantly found in saltwater environments.
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Are prawns and shrimp related?
They are related but belong to different suborders.
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Do prawns and shrimp taste different?
There can be subtle differences in taste and texture, but they are quite similar.
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Can you visually distinguish between prawn and shrimp?
Yes, by their body shape and the number of claws on their legs.
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Is shrimp a good source of protein?
Yes, shrimp is a very good source of low-fat protein.
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Are there different species of shrimp?
Yes, there are numerous species of shrimp found globally.
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How do you identify a shrimp?
Shrimp have a curved body and lamellar gills.
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Where are prawns commonly found?
Prawns are often found in fresh and brackish waters.
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Nov 17, 2023
Do prawns live in saltwater or freshwater?
Prawns can live in both, but are often found in fresh and brackish waters.
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How do prawns and shrimp contribute to the ecosystem?
Both play vital roles in the aquatic food chain and ecosystem balance.
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Is it easy to farm prawns and shrimp?
Both can be farmed, but they require specific conditions for sustainable aquaculture.
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What is the main difference in the gills of prawns and shrimp?
Prawns have branching gills, while shrimp have lamellar gills.
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Nov 17, 2023
Are there different species of prawns?
Yes, there are many species of prawns across different habitats.
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Can people with seafood allergies eat prawns or shrimp?
Individuals with seafood allergies should avoid both prawns and shrimp.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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