Skip to content
Difference between Prawn and Shrimp. Do you know how to differentiate them?
We're going to explain all the differences between these crustaceans so you don't get a prawn mistaken for a shrimp. We'll start with the similarities: as we've mentioned, both are decapod crustaceans. This means they have 10 legs. The rest is all differences.
We're going to explain all the differences between these crustaceans so you don't get a prawn mistaken for a shrimp. We'll start with the similarities: as we've mentioned, both are decapod crustaceans. This means they have 10 legs. The rest is all differences.
The most important difference between them is the size of their heads; a king prawn 's head is larger than a langoustine 's . Another difference is that raw langoustines have a paler color, while king prawns are more orange.
In terms of flavor, prawns have a mild flavor, while shrimp have a more intense flavor. Shrimp meat is the more tender of the two crustaceans and also has a higher content of fatty acids.
Below is a table showing the differences between prawns and king prawns.
| Feature | Shrimp | Prawn |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Penaeus spp. (e.g. Penaeus vannamei, Penaeus monodon) | Aristeus antennatus (Red shrimp), Aristaeopsis edwardsiana (Carabineer), Pleoticus muelleri (Patagonian shrimp) |
| Family | Penaeidae | Aristeidae |
| Habitat | Warm and temperate waters, coastal areas | Deep waters of the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic |
| Depth | Superficial (coasts) | 100-3300 meters |
| Coloration | Grayish to pink or light brown | Reddish (red shrimp), dark red (carabinero) |
| Size and Shape | Slim and long body | Larger and more robust; the carabinero can reach 30 cm |
| Antennae and Legs | Short and thin | Long and thick (varies by species) |
| culinary use | Versatile, in paellas, salads, grills | Firm and tasty meat, in seafood dishes, soups and sauces |
| Commercial Value | More economical, aquaculture production | More expensive, considered luxury |
Seafood is a food with high nutritional value and low fat content. It provides a good level of protein and is a rich source of iron, phosphorus, iodine, selenium, and magnesium.
