Prawns vs Shrimp: Clearing Up the Confusion

When you head to the seafood section, are you picking up prawns or shrimp? In the UK, we tend to use the word “prawn” to refer to both prawns and shrimp, whereas in the USA, they use “shrimp” as a catch-all term. But it’s not just a matter of language—there are actual biological differences between the two. However, the way the terms are used isn't always consistent across the globe, which can make it tricky to know which crustacean you're actually buying.

Shrimp vs. Prawns: What’s the Difference? 

The primary difference between prawns and shrimp lies in their taxonomy. Shrimp belong to the sub-order Pleocyemata, while prawns are part of the sub-order Dendrobranchiata. While both creatures belong to the larger crustacean family, their anatomical differences set them apart...