2007-03-26 14:55:57 · 6 answers · asked by rosenthalteresa 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
There is a great deal of confusion about the term prawn because it's used to describe several different SHELLFISH. 1. The first definition refers to a species that's part of the lobster family and includes those CRUSTACEANS variously called Dublin Bay prawn, Danish lobster, Italian scampi, langoustine (French), langostino (Spanish), Caribbean lobsterette and Florida lobsterette . These "prawns" have bodies shaped like tiny Maine LOBSTERS including minuscule claws. The meat has a sweet, delicate flavor that some claim is better than either lobster or shrimp. These "prawns" are 6 to 8 inches in length and have pale-red bodies deepening to dark-red tails. 2. A second definition applies to the freshwater prawn (identified by the Latin name Macrobrachium ); the term distinguishes SHRIMP as living in salt water and prawns as freshwater creatures. In truth, these prawns migrate (much like salmon) from salt water to fresh water to spawn. They look like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster, with their bodies having narrower abdomens and longer legs than shrimp. 3. The term "prawn" is also loosely used to describe any large shrimp, especially those that come 15 (or fewer) to the pound (also called "jumbo shrimp").
2007-03-26 15:00:08 · answer #1 · answered by Tom ツ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Did you really understand Tom's answer?
The simple answer is there is no significant difference ...at least of any importance. Where you live determines how you use the word "prawn" and the word "shrimp." In some parts of the world, prawns are thought of as larger. But ...in other parts of the world the opposite may be true.
When you buy shrimp or prawns, they are sized so you know what you are getting.
2007-03-26 15:15:56 · answer #2 · answered by in-the-biz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you are, it is all a matter of size.
No doubt some biologist will write screeds to tell you the difference, but to most folks they are the same
2007-03-26 17:43:21 · answer #3 · answered by Murray H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about $5 a pound.
2007-03-27 01:43:21 · answer #4 · answered by ph62198 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
none that I am aware, I have lived in the US and am Australian, all I can see is the name, they both look the same, taste the same so they as far as I am concerned are the same.
2007-03-26 21:04:31 · answer #5 · answered by Val K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
prawns are bigger.
2007-03-26 15:02:18 · answer #6 · answered by chyeah... 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋