Shrimp and prawn are both crustaceans and are often used interchangeably in cooking, but they differ in terms of biological classification, physical characteristics, habitat, and culinary uses. Here is the key difference between Shrimp and Prawn:
1. Biological Classification
Shrimp
- Belong to the suborder Pleocyemata within the order Decapoda.
- Example families include Caridea and Dendrobranchiata.
Prawn
- Belong to the suborder Dendrobranchiata within the order Decapoda.
- Example families include Penaeidae and Palaemonidae.
2. Physical Characteristics
Shrimp
- Have a more pronounced curve in their bodies.
- Have lamellar (plate-like) gills.
- The second segment of the abdomen overlaps both the first and third segments.
- Typically, smaller in size compared to prawns.
Prawn
- Have a straighter body compared to shrimp.
- Have branching gills.
- Each segment of the abdomen overlaps the segment behind it, creating a more even, tile-like structure.
- Usually larger than shrimp.
3. Habitat
Shrimp
- Primarily found in saltwater environments, such as oceans and seas.
- Some species inhabit freshwater bodies like rivers and lakes.
- More commonly found in colder waters.
Prawn
- Predominantly found in freshwater environments, such as rivers and lakes.
- Some species inhabit saltwater environments.
- More commonly found in warmer waters.
4. Culinary Uses
Shrimp
- Widely used in various cuisines around the world.
- Common dishes include shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi, shrimp stir-fry, and tempura shrimp.
- Generally, have a sweeter, more delicate flavor and a tender texture.
Prawn
- Also widely used in global cuisines, particularly in Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian dishes.
- Common dishes include prawn curry, prawn skewers, prawn pasta, and prawn biryani.
- Typically have a meatier texture and a slightly stronger flavor compared to shrimp.
5. Market and Terminology
Shrimp
- In the United States and Canada, "shrimp" is the more commonly used term.
- Sold by count per pound (e.g., 16/20 means 16 to 20 shrimp per pound).
Prawn
- In the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries, "prawn" is the more commonly used term.
- In some regions, "prawn" refers to larger species, while "shrimp" refers to smaller ones, regardless of biological differences.
6. Examples
Shrimp
- White shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus)
- Brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus)
- Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Prawn
- Giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
- Indian prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus)
- King prawn (Melicertus latisulcatus)
7. Key Points
Shrimp
- Curved body, lamellar gills, second segment of the abdomen overlaps the first and third.
- Found in both saltwater and freshwater, common in colder waters.
- Sweeter, more delicate flavor, tender texture.
Prawn
- Straighter body, branching gills, each abdominal segment overlaps the one behind it.
- Found in both freshwater and saltwater, common in warmer waters.
- Meatier texture, slightly stronger flavor.
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