Shrimp and prawns are both crustaceans and while they are similar in many ways, there are several differences between them. Here are five main distinctions:
Body Structure:
Shrimp: Shrimp have a slender, elongated body with a relatively straight abdomen. Their abdominal segments overlap, and their second abdominal segment overlaps the first and third segments.
Prawns: Prawns have a more robust body structure with a curled abdomen. The second and third abdominal segments overlap the first, giving prawns a distinctive appearance with a bend in their body.
Gill Structure:
Shrimp: Shrimp have branching gills, where the gill structure resembles a branching pattern. The gills are lamellar, meaning they consist of thin plates or filaments.
Prawns: Prawns have plate-like gills, which are flatter and more compressed compared to the branching gills of shrimp. The gills in prawns are more specialized for efficient oxygen exchange.
Claw Structure:
Shrimp: Shrimp have claws (chelae) on the first two pairs of legs. The second pair of legs typically has larger claws than the first pair.
Prawns: Prawns have claws on the first three pairs of legs, and the claws on the second and third pairs are typically larger than those on the first pair. Prawns are known for their larger, more developed claws.
Habitat:
Shrimp: Shrimp are often found in both saltwater and freshwater environments. They can inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats, including estuaries, coastal areas, and deep sea.
Prawns: Prawns are generally found in saltwater habitats, although some species may enter brackish waters. They are commonly found in coastal areas and continental shelves.
Geographical Usage:
Shrimp: In some parts of the world, the term “shrimp” is used broadly to refer to both shrimp and prawns. In the United States, for example, the term “shrimp” is commonly used for both small and large species.
Prawns: In other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and Australia, the term “prawn” is used more broadly to encompass both small and large species, and the term “shrimp” is often reserved for smaller species.
It’s important to note that the distinctions between shrimp and prawns can vary regionally, and the terms may be used interchangeably in certain places. Additionally, the culinary and commercial usage of the terms may differ, leading to variations in how they are classified in different contexts.