The main difference between shrimp and prawn is that shrimps belong to the Pleocyemata suborder while prawns belong to the Dendrobranchiata suborder. Moreover, prawns are often larger than shrimps, but there’s no standard size that set them apart.
Both prawns and shrimp are crustaceans of the decapod order. This means they have 10 legs and external skeletons. However, these two types belong to different suborders of decapods and have several differences.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Shrimp
– Definition, Features
2. What is Prawn
– Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Shrimp and Prawn
– Outline of Common Features
3. What is the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawn
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Prawn, Shrimp
What is Shrimp
Shrimp is a decapod crustacean that belongs to the Pleocyemata suborder. This suborder also includes lobsters, crayfish, and crabs. Although there is no consistent definition to distinguish between shrimp and prawn, there is a scientific and anatomic difference between them. If we look at the anatomy of shrimps, they have a side plate that overlays segments in front and behind and possesses plate-like gills. In addition, shrimps have a tight curl to them. When looking at their legs, their front pincers are large, and there are claws on two pairs of the legs.
Shrimps can be found in either saltwater or freshwater, in both cold and warm water, from the tropics to the poles. However, the majority of shrimps are found in seawater. They can be usually found at the bottom of the body of water.
There are many ways to cook shrimp; you can fry, broil, sauté, stir-fry, or poach them. You can also use them in different ways – in salads, soups, pasta, kebabs, curries, and appetizers.
What is Prawn
Prawn is a decapod crustacean that belongs to the suborder Dendrobranchiata. Prawns are anatomically different from shrimps. Their gills are branched, and their side plates overlap tile-like from front to back. Moreover, the outer skeleton of prawns doesn’t allow them to bend, so its shape is somewhat straight. In addition, their largest pincers are on the second pair of legs, and there are claws on three pairs of legs. More importantly, prawns are often larger than shrimps. However, there’s no standard size that set these two crustaceans apart.
Prawns are also found in both salt water and fresh water, but most varieties of prawns are found in freshwater. Most varieties also prefer warmer waters. They are often found in calm waters where they can rest on plants or rocks and lay their eggs.
Similarities Between Shrimp and Prawn
- Both shrimps and prawns have a sweet and tender taste.
- You can use them interchangeably in cooking.
- There are many ways to cooking – stir-frying, sauteing, poaching, broiling, etc.
- You can use them in salads, soups, pasta, kebabs, curries, and appetizers.
- Both are good sources of proteins and macronutrients but are low in calories.
Difference Between Shrimp and Prawn
Definition
Shrimp is a decapod crustacean that belongs to the Pleocyemata suborder, while prawn is a decapod crustacean that belongs to the suborder Dendrobranchiata.
Suborder
Shrimps belong to the Pleocyemata suborder, while prawns belong to the Dendrobranchiata suborder.
Size
Moreover, prawns are often larger than shrimps. However, there’s no set limit to set them apart.
Gills
Shrimps have plate-like gills, while prawns have branching gills.
Legs
Shrimps have large front pincers, and there are claws on two pairs of the legs, while prawns have large pincers on the second pair of legs, and there are claws on three pairs of legs.
Body Shape
Shrimp have a curled body, while prawns have a straight body.
Found in
Most varieties of shrimp live in seawater while most varieties of prawns live in freshwater.
Conclusion
The main difference between shrimp and prawn is that shrimps belong to the Pleocyemata suborder while prawns belong to the Dendrobranchiata suborder. Moreover, prawns are often larger than shrimps.
Reference:
1. Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “All About Shrimp and the Ways to Cook It.” The Spruce Eats, Available here.
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