The 10 Largest Shrimp (and Prawns) in the World

Both shrimp and prawns are decapod crustaceans. While the shrimp on our dinner plates rarely exceed 3 inches, some can grow large enough to rival their larger cousins. In this list, we will look at the largest shrimp and prawns in the world. Note that the mantis shrimp is not included, even though many believe it to be the largest shrimp. However, mantis shrimp are not true shrimp; they are shrimp-like crustaceans. Keep reading to discover 10 of the largest shrimp and prawns you can find in either freshwater or ocean habitats.

The Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns

In some countries, like the U.K., the name “prawn” is used for both types of crustaceans. However, prawns and shrimp are anatomically distinct groups of crustaceans, with prawns often found in both freshwater and marine environments, depending on the species. Prawns generally have longer thoraxes and shorter abdomens compared to shrimp. They also typically have claws on three pairs of their five pairs of legs.

In contrast, shrimp are generally smaller and have curvier bodies. They have shorter thoraxes and longer abdomens than prawns. Shrimp typically have claws on only two of their five pairs of legs. They are found in both marine and freshwater environments. There are also differences in their gill structure, the way their body segments overlap, and their reproductive behaviors.

#10. Deep Water Rose Shrimp 

The deep water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) has an orange-pinkish tint and can be found inhabiting muddy and sandy sea floors in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Their preferred depth is around 65-2,200 feet. However, larger shrimp are found in deeper waters.

Deep water rose shrimp grow up to 7.5 inches. They have a varied diet that becomes more diverse as they age. Their main diet consists of foraminifera, but they will also feed on other organisms that live on the sea floor. These shrimp are prized for their sweet meat. 

#9. Chinese White Shrimp 

The Chinese white shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) lives in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and along the Korean coast. They are massively farmed in China and are enjoyed for their large size and tender meat. They reach about 7.5 inches in length but can sometimes grow larger. 

These shrimp prefer colder waters and can be found at a depth of 295-590 feet. They are generally translucent to pale pink or grayish-white in color. Chinese white shrimp are also called the oriental shrimp or fleshy prawn. This species was in decline, but an effort to release young shrimp back into the ocean has resulted in a population rebound.

#8. White Shrimp 

White shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) live in warm waters and cannot survive below 41°F. They inhabit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic. With the right temperatures and salinity, they can grow quickly, reaching up to 8 inches in length. In the wild, they are found at a depth of 98-262 feet.

These shrimp are omnivorous and primarily eat small fish, worms, and detritus. White shrimp usually live less than one year. Other names for this species include Daytona shrimp, southern shrimp, and gray shrimp.

#7. Whiteleg Shrimp 

Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), also called Pacific white shrimp, inhabit the eastern region of the Pacific Ocean. They require water temperatures above 68°F to grow and reproduce. Whiteleg shrimp live at depths of up to 256 feet. The maximum length for the whiteleg shrimp is up to around 8 inches.

Whiteleg shrimp have a lifespan of less than two years. They can reproduce when they reach around five inches. Adult shrimp are omnivorous and eat plants, microorganisms, and small fish. Whiteleg shrimp are bluish-white with pink sides.

#6. Pink Shrimp

Pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus duorarum) are found on the east coast of the U.S., in the waters around Bermuda, and in the Gulf of Mexico. This shrimp lives at depths of 6.5-230 feet and can reach around 11 inches or larger. The many names of this shrimp include the skipper, red shrimp, pink spotted shrimp, hopper, and pink night shrimp.

They are widely farmed in the U.S. and are considered one of the tastiest species. Their diet consists of larvae and plankton. Finfish, minnows, water boatmen, and other shrimp feed on this abundant species. They have a lifespan of under two years.

#5. Kuruma Prawn 

The Kuruma prawn (Marsupenaeus japonicus) is also known as the Japanese tiger prawn. It inhabits inshore waters up to 295 feet deep. They live in areas with sandy mud and muddy bottoms. This species is native to the southwestern Pacific and the Indian Ocean. However, they are migratory and have been found in European waters, where they have displaced local shrimp populations.

Kuruma prawns reach a length of over 11 inches. They can survive in lower water temperatures compared to other prawns. These shrimp are beige with brown stripes and a blue-shaded tail. Kuruma prawns are farmed in aquaculture, but require specific water quality conditions and careful management.

#4. Eastern King Prawn 

Eastern king prawns (Melicertus plebejus) are found near the coastal regions of eastern Australia and are an important species commonly fished in the area. This species has been a staple of the Australian commercial fishing market for over 50 years and is considered a delicacy.

Eastern king prawns inhabit sandy and soft sediment areas at depths of up to 722 feet. This large prawn can grow to a maximum of around 12 inches. They are a beautiful species with a bright rainbow-colored tail. Their diet consists of plankton, small shellfish, worms, and organic matter.

#3. California Spot Prawn

California spot prawns (Pandalus platyceros) are endemic to the northern Pacific Ocean and inhabit depths of 150-1600 feet. Juveniles live in shallow water, and as they age, they move to deeper waters. The spot prawn can reach up to 12 inches. 

The California spot prawn can live up to six years and will feed on shrimp, plankton, worms, and sea anemones. Spot prawns are fished for sale in high-end restaurants. Unlike other shrimp species, spot prawns are targeted and caught in specific traps. Large marine animals like seals and octopuses feed on this species in the wild. 

#2. Giant Freshwater Prawn 

The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is one of the largest prawns in the world. It is endemic to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, India, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia. Other names include the Malaysian prawn and freshwater scampi. Giant freshwater prawns can grow to be 12.5 inches.

Their bodies are greenish or brownish-gray, and larger specimens have darker hues. The freshwater prawn or giant river prawn has been introduced to countries across the world and is widely cultivated. Larvae live in brackish water, and as they mature, they move to freshwater. Their diet consists of zooplankton.

#1. Giant Tiger Prawn 

Giant tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) are the largest prawns in the world. They can reach about 13 inches long and weigh up to one pound. These prawns can be found in the waters around Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Australia, and the United States. In the U.S., they are rare and are considered an invasive species, having been released from farming.

This prawn is a delicacy across the world and is valued for its large size. The stripes across its back are its most identifiable feature. The stripes can be black or orange, resembling those of a tiger. The giant tiger prawn prefers warm waters and has a lifespan of around three years. They are omnivorous and eat decaying matter, plant material, and small invertebrates.