Shrimp vs Prawn: What’s the Difference and Which Term Should Seafood Businesses Use?
Meksea.com – Shrimp vs Prawn: What’s the Difference and Which Term Should Seafood Businesses Use? In the global seafood industry, the terms shrimp and prawn are often used interchangeably, causing confusion among buyers, importers, and even seafood professionals. Are they the same species? Is one term more appropriate than the other? More importantly, which term should seafood exporters use when marketing their products internationally? The answer lies not only in biology but also in regional language preferences and international trade practices.
Shrimp vs. Prawn: What’s the Difference and Which Term Should Seafood Businesses Use?
Quick view
- 1 Are Shrimp and Prawns the Same?
- 2 Biological Differences Between Shrimp and Prawns
- 3 Why Does the Seafood Industry Use Both Terms?
- 4 Common Vietnamese Shrimp Products and Their English Names
- 5 Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
- 6 III. Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
Are Shrimp and Prawns the Same?
Technically, no. Shrimp and prawns are different groups of decapod crustaceans and can be distinguished by their anatomy and classification. However, in commercial seafood trade, the distinction is often blurred.
According to NOAA Fisheries, the names “shrimp” and “prawn” are used differently around the world. In the United States, the term shrimp is commonly used for most commercially traded species, whereas countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia are more likely to use the term prawn. This means that the same seafood product may be marketed under different names depending on its destination market.
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Biological Differences Between Shrimp and Prawns
Although they may look similar, shrimp and prawns have several anatomical differences.
| Criteria | Shrimp | Prawn |
| Size | Usually smaller | Usually larger (not always) |
| Body shape | Curved body | Straighter body |
| Claws | Two pairs of claw-like legs | Three pairs of claw-like legs |
| Gills | Plate-like gills | Branching gills |
| Habitat | Mostly saltwater species | Mostly freshwater or brackish water species |
| Texture | Tender and delicate | Firmer and meatier |
From a scientific standpoint, shrimp belong to the suborder Pleocyemata, while prawns belong to Dendrobranchiata. They differ in their gill structures, leg formations, and reproductive characteristics. Despite these biological differences, consumers and seafood buyers rarely differentiate products based on scientific classification alone. Instead, terminology is largely influenced by local market preferences.
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Why Does the Seafood Industry Use Both Terms?
One of the biggest misconceptions in seafood trade is that shrimp and prawns refer to entirely different products. In reality, international markets often use these terms interchangeably.
For example:
- In the United States, “shrimp” is the preferred commercial term.
- In the United Kingdom and Australia, “prawn” is more commonly used.
- Many seafood importers search for products using the terminology that is familiar within their domestic market.
This is why seafood exporters frequently adapt product names depending on the target country.
For instance, a Vietnamese exporter may sell the same product as:
- Frozen Black Tiger Shrimp (United States)
- Frozen Black Tiger Prawns (Australia)
- Premium Cooked Shrimp (North America)
- Premium Cooked Prawns (UK market)
Choosing the right terminology can improve communication with buyers and enhance product visibility on search engines and B2B seafood marketplaces.
Common Vietnamese Shrimp Products and Their English Names
Vietnam is one of the world’s leading shrimp-exporting countries, supplying products to markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Understanding international naming conventions is therefore essential.
| Vietnamese Product | English Name |
| Tôm thẻ chân trắng | Whiteleg Shrimp / Vannamei Shrimp |
| Tôm sú | Black Tiger Shrimp |
| Tôm càng xanh | Giant Freshwater Prawn |
| Tôm hấp chín | Cooked Shrimp / Cooked Prawns |
| Tôm tẩm bột | Breaded Shrimp / Breaded Prawns |
The appropriate English name should be selected based on the destination market rather than a strict biological distinction.
While shrimp and prawns are biologically different, the distinction in the seafood industry is largely driven by regional naming conventions and market practices. Seafood exporters should focus on understanding how buyers in their target markets search for and describe these products.
Using the appropriate terminology not only improves product communication but also strengthens international marketing and SEO efforts. Whether you choose shrimp or prawn, aligning your product descriptions with market expectations is key to reaching global seafood buyers.
Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
III. Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam
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Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam – supplies a wide range of Vietnamese seafood to markets worldwide. Renowned for its competitive pricing, reliable sourcing, and broad culinary applications, Vietnamese seafood is well suited for households, retailers, and food-service operators alike. At Meksea, we offer a diversified seafood portfolio, carefully selected and customized to meet varying market demands and consumer preferences across different regions. |
Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore more Vietnam seafood products!
Mr. Hoang Duy – Commercial Director
Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: + 84 903 872 469
Email: hoang@mekseaconnection.com
Joy Nguyen (Meksea Team)
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