Both prawns and shrimps are among the favorite food variety for seafood lovers. If you are a gastronome, you would have already even tried out different variations in these dishes. These both definitely fall under the most consumed seafood varieties across the globe. But did you know there are different types of prawns and shrimp varieties across the world?

Both prawns and shrimps, although used interchangeably by many, are two distinct types of seafood. And there are different varieties and kinds of prawns and shrimp to eat. Fascinated to know more? Keep reading, and the next time you’re in a restaurant, you will know which new kinds and varieties to taste in these dishes.

Prawns vs. Shrimp: What is the difference?

Prawns and shrimp, both dishes are sold across the globe, and both are among the most famous types of seafood. In several countries, both the dish names are used interchangeably too! But did you know, scientifically, both of them are very different?

To begin with, both the prawns and shrimp fall under the scientific ‘decapod’ order. That means both the species have ten legs. However, the variation between them is, both come from different suborders within the decapods. Confused? Let us explain clearly – the shrimps belong to the suborder of pleocyemata, including other seafood varieties like lobsters and crabs. However, prawns, on the other hand, belong to the dendrobranchiate suborder.

Then how do we differentiate between both of them? The significant and foremost difference is to examine their body type. Prawns aren’t completely bent in their body form, whereas shrimps have a sharp bend. Their legs also look very different, with prawns having three claw-like pairs of legs that are longer in length, whereas shrimp have just one.

15 Types of Prawns and Shrimps Names with Pictures:

Different variety, types, and kinds of shrimp and prawns: