Biologically, both are decapods, meaning they are crustaceans with ten legs. However, shrimps belong to the sub-order Pleocyemata, and prawns belong to the sub-order Dendrobranchiata.
Both shrimps and prawns can be found in salt and fresh water globally, swimming in search of food. They are essential seafood sources that are widely consumed worldwide. While shrimps have a more pronounced and slightly salty flavor, prawns typically have a sweeter flavor.
Although they are often confused with each other because of their similar appearance, they have distinct differences.
Image credit: Left (Andrew Bogott) Right (Peter)
Shrimp vs Prawn: Main Differences
Appearance: Shrimps typically have a side plate on the second abdominal segment that overlaps both the first and third segments. This gives their body a more segmented appearance. Distinctly, prawns have side plates on each segment that overlap sequentially down the body, which gives them a less segmented appearance than shrimp.
Shrimp’s front pincers are the largest and they have claws on two pairs of legs. Prawns, on the other hand, have their largest pincers on the second pair of legs and claws on three pairs of their legs. In addition, prawns have three pairs of claw-like legs, while shrimps have only two.
Size: Prawns are generally larger, with certain species growing up to 12 inches long. On the other hand, the most significant kinds of shrimp ordinarily develop to be 3-4 inches long.
Diet: Another notable main difference between shrimps and prawns is their preferred diet. Shrimps are omnivorous, meaning they feed on plants and animals. They mainly feed on algae, plankton, other tiny water organisms, and dead animals and plants on the ocean floor. Prawns, on the other hand, are mainly predatory. Therefore, their diet consists of small fish and other invertebrates. Sometimes they feed on plankton and other tiny organisms, but their diet focuses more on animal-based protein.
Habitat: While they are aquatic animals that live in fresh and salty waters, they differ slightly in their preferential habitats. Most prawn species thrive in freshwater habitats. They prefer deeper waters and can be found in a wider range of habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and deep-sea habitats. On the other hand, shrimps are more commonly found in saltwater habitats and are more abundant in estuaries and bays.
Reproduction: Both prawns and shrimps have similar methods of reproduction. However, prawns lay more eggs, with some species producing up to 2 million eggs in a single spawning season, while shrimps produce only a few hundred to several thousand eggs per spawning season. Shrimp also usually brood their eggs, which are attached to the female’s legs until they hatch, while prawns tend to release their eggs into the water, where they develop independently.
Who Would Win?
While it’s tempting to imagine a clear victor in a hypothetical battle between a shrimp and a prawn, the reality is far more nuanced. Prawns, generally larger and equipped with more robust claws, might appear to have the upper hand in terms of sheer strength. Their powerful pincers could inflict significant damage, suggesting a clear advantage in a confrontation.
However, dismissing the shrimp’s potential would be premature. Shrimp compensate for their smaller stature with remarkable agility and speed. Their evasive maneuvers could effectively counter the prawn’s slower, more powerful attacks. Furthermore, while smaller, the shrimp’s claws are still capable of delivering sharp blows, potentially wearing down the prawn over time.
Therefore, in an absolutely crazy scenario where these two species would be in a face-off, we predict the winner might be the shrimp due to its agility, speed, and swift attacks.
Shrimp
Shrimps are small, decapod crustaceans in the order Decapoda and the infra-order Caridea. They are commonly found globally in oceans, rivers, and other aquatic environments and are essential to the global seafood industry.
They are distinctive, with elongated bodies divided into segments and a pair of pincers, or chelae, on the front legs. They have ten legs, with the last five pairs of legs used for walking and swimming, while the first two pairs are claw-like and are used for walking and manipulating food.
They have a hard exoskeleton that protects their body, and they are often brightly colored, ranging from shades of red, pink, and brown to gray, green, and even blue. Interestingly, their exact appearance varies depending on the species and their environment.
They also have long antennae, which they use for sensory perception, as well as for finding food and detecting predators. Shrimp have plate-like gills called lamellar gills.
Size
The size of a shrimp varies greatly depending on the species. Some are tiny, measuring only a few millimeters, while others can grow several inches long. In general, the common market size of shrimp ranges between 2-3 inches.
It’s important to note that their size varies depending on their age, environment, and diet.
Habitat
Shrimps inhabit virtually every ocean and sea, from the coldest polar waters to the warmest tropical seas. Additionally, freshwater species are distributed in rivers, lakes, and streams worldwide. This broad distribution showcases their incredible adaptability to a range of environmental conditions and salinities.
Their specific habitat can vary from species to species, but they prefer areas with plenty of food and salty water. Some species can survive in various salinities and water temperatures, while others are better suited to particular habitats like freshwater streams or deep-sea environments.
Diet
Since shrimp are omnivorous, they feed on both plant and animal matter. Their specific diet can vary depending on the species and its habitat, but generally, they feed on algae, plankton, small fish, and other invertebrates.
In aquaculture, they feed on a diet with the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive.
Reproduction
The male and female shrimp mate at a right angle, the male transferring a spermatophore to a receptacle in the female’s belly. After 6-20 hours, the female produces eggs that stay in its abdomen until they develop.
Once the eggs are released, they hatch into larvae which move to saline water within 4 to 5 days. The number of eggs produced by shrimps in a single mating season ranges from a few hundred to several thousand eggs per clutch.
Threats
The insatiable human appetite for shrimp poses a significant threat to their populations worldwide. As a highly sought-after delicacy, shrimp are often subjected to intense fishing pressure, leading to overfishing in many regions. This, coupled with habitat destruction caused by pollution and coastal development, puts immense strain on shrimp populations.
Conservation efforts for shrimp focus on promoting sustainable fishing practices, such as setting catch limits and establishing marine protected areas. Additionally, reducing pollution runoff from land-based sources and minimizing the destruction of vital shrimp habitats, like mangroves, are crucial for their long-term survival.
Prawn
Prawns are a type of freshwater or saltwater crustacean that belongs to the family Palaemonidae.
They are a significant food source in many societies all over the planet and are usually found in various dishes like, curries, sautés, and pasta.
They come in various forms, including marine and freshwater prawns. Tiger, king, and banana prawns are among the most well-known prawns.
Prawns have longer legs than shrimp. The second pincers of prawns are larger than the front ones. The front pincers of shrimp are typically the largest.
The prawns’ color can vary depending on the species, but they are typically shades of brown, pink, or red, often with darker stripes or spots. Some species have transparent bodies that allow their internal organs to be visible.
Generally, they have elongated bodies with a distinct head, thorax, and abdomen. They typically have ten legs, with the first three pairs modified as pincers or claws.
Another notable characteristic is their long, segmented antennae and fan-like tail. Their compound eyes on the stock move independently, giving them a more expansive clear vision.
Size
Depending on the species, prawns vary from a few centimeters in length to more than 30 centimeters. Smaller species are typically found in freshwater habitats, while larger species generally are found in marine settings.
Diet
Prawns are typically carnivorous, meaning they primarily eat other animals. Their diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
They are also known to feed on plankton and other tiny organisms, but their diet is more focused on animal-based protein.
Habitat
Prawns live in several aquatic habitats, including freshwater and saltwater environments. Their specific habitat requirements vary depending on the species, but generally, they prefer habitats with clean water and abundant food sources.
They are often found in areas with a lot of vegetation or other structures, such as rocks or coral, which provide shelter and hiding places. They also require access to food sources, including algae, plankton, small fish, and other invertebrates.
Overall, the habitat requirements of prawns are diverse, and different species can be found in a wide range of aquatic environments worldwide.
Reproduction
Generally, their reproduction involves several stages, including mating, egg fertilization, and larval development. After mating, the male fertilizes the female eggs in the female’s reproductive tract, where they stay until they hatch. The eggs go through several developmental stages to become juvenile prawns.
Compared to shrimps, prawns tend to produce more eggs, with some species, such as the giant tiger prawn, producing up to 2 million eggs per female per spawning season. However, the number of eggs laid varies greatly depending on the individual’s species, size, and age.
Threats
Like their shrimp counterparts, prawns face a constant battle for survival against the demands of the global seafood market. Their large size and appealing taste make them a prized catch, leading to overfishing and a decline in certain prawn populations. Habitat degradation, particularly the destruction of seagrass beds and estuaries, further threatens their ability to thrive.
To combat these threats, conservation strategies for prawns often mirror those for shrimp. Implementing responsible fishing regulations, protecting and restoring critical habitats, and minimizing pollution are essential for ensuring healthy prawn populations for future generations.
Ocean Insights: Hear From Our Experts
By Hamna Faizan
Marine Life Researcher and Lecturer, with an MSc in Zoology
FAQs
Are shrimp and prawns safe for human consumption?
Yes, shrimp and prawns are good sources of lean protein and are low in fat and calories. They also contain several vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and B12.
Can prawns and shrimp “see” with their shells?
It sounds strange, but in a way, yes! While their eyes are important, prawns and shrimp also have light-sensitive cells all over their bodies, particularly concentrated on their shells. This allows them to detect changes in light and shadow, which helps spot predators or prey, even in murky water.
Which is more expensive, shrimp or prawn?
Prawns are large and liked over shrimps because of their sweet taste and texture, which explains their higher price.
Can shrimps and prawns cause allergic reactions?
Yes. Shrimps and prawns belong to the same family of crustaceans. So if you are allergic to shellfish, you will also be allergic to them. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to shellfish can be anything from mild reactions like itching or hives to more severe reactions like trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and anaphylaxis- an allergic reaction that can kill you. It is essential to seek medical advice if you are allergic to shrimp or prawns to determine the best action.
Is it true that some shrimp make a noise so loud it can interfere with sonar?
Snapping shrimp, as they’re aptly named, have one claw that’s significantly larger than the other. When they snap this claw shut with incredible speed, it creates a cavitation bubble that produces an incredibly loud popping sound. In fact, large groups of snapping shrimp can generate enough noise to disrupt sonar and underwater communication.
