The different between The Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp

Bởi Joy Nguyen - January 2, 2026

MEKSEA.COMBeing able to recognize shrimp species by appearance helps buyers and consumers make more confident seafood choices. When comparing Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp, visual characteristics offer the quickest and most reliable way to distinguish the two. Although they are both widely farmed and traded, their external features are clearly different once observed closely.

Head On Shell On Black Tiger Shrimp Head On Shell On Vannamei Shrimp 3

I. The different between the Black Tiger Shrimp and Vannamei Shrimp 

1. Shell Color Difference

The first visual clue in Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp is shell color. Black Tiger Shrimp has a naturally darker shell with deep greenish or black tones, creating a strong and bold look even in raw form. This darker color makes it easy to identify at a glance.

Seafood Information: Black Tiger Shrimp - Siam Canadian

Vannamei Shrimp, in contrast, has a much lighter appearance. Its shell is pale gray to off white and slightly translucent, giving it a clean and uniform look. This lighter tone is one reason Vannamei Shrimp is popular in retail and processed products.

>>> Reference: Vietnam Shrimp exports in 11 months reached a record of over 4.3 billion USD

2. Stripes and Surface Pattern

In the comparison of Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp, Black Tiger Shrimp shows clear dark stripes across the shell. These stripes are naturally defined and remain visible even after handling or processing.

The Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp

The Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp

Vannamei Shrimp does not display strong striping. Its shell surface appears smooth and even, which contributes to a consistent visual presentation. This uniformity is especially valued in peeled or value added shrimp products.

3. Body Shape and Overall Size

Body structure further separates Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp. Black Tiger Shrimp usually looks larger and thicker, with well defined segments and a solid body from head to tail. This gives it a robust and premium appearance.

Vannamei Shrimp tends to have a slimmer body and a more streamlined shape. While size can vary, its overall look is lighter and more delicate compared to the fuller body of Black Tiger Shrimp.

vannamei shrimp

4. Appearance After Cooking

The visual difference remains clear even after cooking. In Black Tiger Shrimp vs Vannamei Shrimp, Black Tiger Shrimp turns a deeper orange or reddish color, and the meat appears firm and dense on the plate.

Vannamei Shrimp becomes light pink after cooking, maintaining a soft and uniform appearance. This gentle look suits casual dining and high volume food service settings.

Cooked Head On Shell On Vannamei Shrimp 1

>>>Reference: WHAT IS P&D SHRIMP? 

III. Meksea – The Leading Seafood Distributor in Vietnam 

Meksea team

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)

If you found this topic interesting, please click the Like button below, so we may continue to expand this topic. Leave a comment with your thoughts for the asuthor team to discus

Meksea’s Fanpage