Both shrimp and prawns are delicious seafood choices that are available in a variety of cuisines around the world. There are many people around the world, including seafood lovers, who get confused between shrimp and prawn despite the two terms being different. The two sea creatures may have some similarities, the key word here being some, so it might surprise you when we tell you that shrimp and prawns aren’t even the same species. Yes, shrimp and prawns are two completely different crustaceans.
So, if you’re confused about how the two differ from each other, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s learn the difference between shrimp and prawns.
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Difference between shrimp and prawn
Species
- Both shrimp and prawns are decapods, meaning they each have 10 legs. However, they are two different species. Shrimps belong to the family Pleocyemata, while shrimps belong to the family Dendrobranchiata.
Look
- Shrimp and prawns also differ in physical appearance. Crawfish usually have a slender body with a curved shape, while shrimp have a more elongated and flat body. In addition, shrimp usually have claws on one of their legs, while prawns have claws on three legs.
Habitat
- Shrimp can be found in warm and cold water, from the tropics to the poles, in fresh or salt water, depending on the species. Only about 23% of prawn species live in fresh water.
- On the other hand, shrimp are found in both fresh and salt water. However, most types of prawns, unlike shrimp, are freshwater.
Size
- Generally speaking, shrimp are larger than shrimp. However, it is also possible for shrimp to be larger than shrimp and vice versa. Size alone cannot be the distinguishing factor between these two species.
Taste
- One would think that since the two crabs belong to different species, they would taste different. Well, they don’t. Both shrimp and prawns have an almost identical taste and texture. Therefore, they are also used as synonyms in many recipes.
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Benefits of shrimp
Shrimp are very tasty and nutritious. According to Healthline.com, it is low in calories but high in iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
However, it also has a high cholesterol content, which can be harmful for people with certain health problems.
Benefits of prawns
Prawns are also packed with nutrients. They are good for calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E and other vitamins. Prawns are also rich in iron and protein. However, they also have high levels of unsaturated fat, which again can be a cause for concern.
Despite this, both shrimp and prawns have good nutritional values and are delicious seafood. They differ in many ways, but they also have some similarities, including their taste, which further propagates the misconception that the two crabs are the same.
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Source: HIS Education