Prawn vs. Shrimp

Prawns and shrimp are both crustaceans with exoskeletons and 10 legs. They are both found in salt water and fresh water and are edible. They are usually found along the ocean floor.

Prawns are generally larger than shrimp and have longer legs. They have branching gills and three sets of claws. Although they are similar in taste to shrimp, they are considered more of a delicacy and are more expensive because of their size.

Shrimp, on the other hand, have shorter legs with only two sets of claws. They have plate-like lamellar gills.

The names are used almost interchangeably, depending on where in the English-speaking world you are. In the USA, prawn usually means a large shrimp. The UK and Australia almost always use the term prawn instead of shrimp. In some usage, prawn is reserved for those found in fresh water and shrimp for those found in salt water.