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Prawn vs. Shrimp: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Prawn vs. Shrimp

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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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

Classification

Suborder Dendrobranchiata
Suborder Pleocyemata
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Gills

Branching gills
Lamellar (plate-like) gills
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Body Shape

Straight body
Curved body
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Legs with Claws

Claws on three pairs of legs
Claws on two pairs of legs
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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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Shrimp

The flesh of one of these crustaceans, used as food.
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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 various similar crustaceans, such as a fairy shrimp.
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Prawn

The flesh of a prawn, used as food.
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Shrimp

Derogatory Slang A person who is small in stature.
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Prawn

To fish for prawns.
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Shrimp

To fish for shrimp.
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Prawn

A crustacean of the suborder Dendrobranchiata.
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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

(Commonwealth) A crustacean, sometimes confused with shrimp.
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Shrimp

(uncountable) The flesh of such crustaceans.
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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

(slang) A small, puny or unimportant person.
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Prawn

A fool, an idiot.
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Shrimp

Synonym of butterface: a person with an attractive body but unattractive face.
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Prawn

Alternative form of porn.
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Shrimp

(intransitive) To fish for shrimp.
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Prawn

(intransitive) To fish for prawns.
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Shrimp

To contract; to shrink.
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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

To contract; to shrink.
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Prawn

Any of various edible decapod crustaceans
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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

Fish for prawns
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Shrimp

Disparaging terms for small people
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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

Any of various edible decapod crustaceans
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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

Fish for shrimp
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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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Are prawns bigger than shrimp?

Typically, prawns are larger than shrimp.
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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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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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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
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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