Ever wondered what’s the largest shrimp you could possibly find? Well I’ve done some deep diving into the world of these fascinating crustaceans and let me tell you – some of these guys are WAY bigger than what you’d find in your typical shrimp cocktail!
Meet the Giant Tiger Prawn: King of All Shrimp
The undisputed champion in the shrimp world is the Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon). These massive creatures can grow up to:
- Length: 13 inches (33 centimeters)
- Weight: Nearly 1 pound (0.45 kilograms)
To put that in perspective, imagine a shrimp as long as your laptop! Pretty wild, right?
Top 5 Largest Shrimp Species Ranked
Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest shrimp species you might encounter
-
Giant Tiger Prawn
- Max length: 13 inches
- Found in: Indo-Pacific region
- Notable feature: Tiger-like stripes on shell
-
Malaysian Giant Prawn
- Max length: 11 inches
- Habitat: Freshwater rivers
- Also known as: Giant River Prawn
-
Indian River Prawn
- Max length: 10 inches
- Location: Indian rivers
- Popular in: Traditional curries
-
Pacific White Shrimp
- Max length: 9 inches
- Commercial importance: High
- Common use: Seafood industry staple
-
East Asian River Prawn
- Max length: 8 inches
- Culinary use: Sashimi, tempura
- Distinct taste: Slightly nutty flavor
Commercial Availability and Market Sizes
In the seafood market we typically classify shrimp sizes like this
| Size Category | Count per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small | 61-70 |
| Medium | 41-50 |
| Large | 31-40 |
| Extra Large | 26-30 |
| Jumbo | 13-15 |
| Colossal | Under 13 |
The Mega Prawns® Phenomenon
Ya know what’s interesting? There’s this specific brand called Mega Prawns® that’s making waves in the market. These bad boys are sold at:
- 2-4 count per pound (Super Mega Prawns®)
- 4-6 count per pound (Regular Mega Prawns®)
These aren’t your regular grocery store shrimp – they’re more like mini lobsters! They’ve got this sweet, lobster-like flavor and super firm texture that makes them perfect for special occasions.
Fun Facts About Giant Shrimp
Did you know:
- Giant Tiger Prawns can live up to 3 years in warm waters
- They’re actually considered invasive species in some areas
- Some species can release up to 1 million eggs when mating!
Where to Find These Giants
The biggest shrimp species are typically found in:
- Southeast Asian waters
- Indo-Pacific region
- Gulf of Mexico
- Australian coastal waters
Cooking Tips for Large Shrimp
When you’re dealing with these massive shrimp, here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Don’t Overcook
- Larger shrimp need more cooking time but can easily get tough
- Look for the meat to turn opaque
-
Proper Preparation
- Clean carefully – bigger shrimp have bigger veins
- Consider butterflying for even cooking
-
Best Cooking Methods
- Grilling
- Broiling
- Pan-searing
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
We gotta talk about sustainability too. Many of these large shrimp species are:
- Farm-raised to protect wild populations
- Subject to fishing regulations
- Part of conservation efforts
The Not-Really-a-Shrimp Mention
Here’s something cool – there’s this thing called the Peacock Mantis Shrimp that’s not actually a shrimp at all! It can grow up to 18 inches and is strong enough to break aquarium glass. Talk about a case of mistaken identity!
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it – everything you need to know about the world’s largest shrimp. Whether you’re a seafood lover, chef, or just curious about these impressive crustaceans, now you know what’s what in the world of giant shrimp.
Remember, while these sizes might seem unreal, they’re totally legit. Next time someone says “jumbo shrimp” is an oxymoron, you can tell ’em about the 13-inch Giant Tiger Prawn!
Got any experience with these massive shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories!
#Seafood #GiantShrimp #Prawns #Cooking #MarineLife
The 5 Biggest Shrimps
The mantis shrimp (though technically not a true shrimp) is often considered the largest “shrimp-like” creature. The largest species of mantis shrimp, Lysiosquillina maculata, can grow up to 18 inches (46 cm) long. Mantis shrimp are known for their striking power, being able to punch at speeds of up to 50 mph.
However, in terms of true shrimp, the pink shrimp (Pandalus borealis) is one of the largest, growing up to 11 inches (27 cm). Here is the full list of biggest shrimp out there:
The 5 Biggest Prawn Species
The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), also known as the Malaysian prawn, holds the title of the largest prawn species. But here’s more about it and some of its contestants sharing the throne for the biggest prawns out there.
Size: 9.8 to 11.8 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) in length.
Scientific Name: Marsupenaeus japonicus.
Kuruma Prawn have become invasive in European oceans and waters
The Kuruma Prawn is an attractive species that is sometimes called the Japanese Tiger Prawn due to its beige body and brown stripes, with a touch of blue on the tail. They can be found in the muddy and sandy bottoms of up to 295 feet (90 meters). This omnivorous prawn eats zooplankton, small fish, and even bivalves and small shellfish.
Its original range occurred in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea but is known to migrate into neighboring seas and compete with native shrimp populations. Because of the live seafood demand in Japan, this prawn is commercially cultivated in its home range. Its ability to survive colder waters has made it an invasive species, especially across Europe.
Size: 9.8 to 11.8 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) in length.
Scientific Name: Pandalus platyceros.
The California Spot Prawn is endemic to the northern Pacific Ocean, including from Alaska to Baja California. They can be found from depths of 150 to 1,600 feet (46 to 488 meters). It is a long-lived species, with a life span of up to six years in their wild environments.
California Spot Prawns are recognized by their translucent reddish shell with white stripes, banded red legs, and antennae. They consume a diverse diet including plankton, worms, and even other shrimp, while also serving as prey for larger predators like seals and octopuses. Highly valued for their taste, they are considered a prized catch in commercial fisheries in California and British Colombia.
Size: 11.8 inches (30 centimeters) in length.
Scientific Name: Melicertus plebejus.
Eastern King Prawns can be found along the east coast from the northern coast of Australia to the southern end and into Tasmania. They live at depths of 720 feet (219 meters) on the soft, sandy ocean floor. They have a translucent body and a blue tail tipped with red. They are most notable for a spike between their eyes that is used to protect themselves against predators.
Eastern King Prawns migrate from estuaries to deeper waters as they mature, making them a popular catch for recreational fishing. This species is also commercially valuable, particularly in Australian east coast fisheries.
Size: 11.8 inches (30 centimeters) and larger in length.
Scientific Name: Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
The Giant Freshwater Prawn, the world’s second biggest shrimp, is a striking creature with a green, brown, or blue body and long, vibrant blue legs. Interestingly, males start with orange legs that transform into blue as they mature. The larger the prawn, the deeper and richer its body color becomes. These creatures feed primarily on zooplankton and aquatic worms.
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including southeast Asia, India, and northern Australia, they are commonly known as Freshwater Scampi, Malaysian Prawns, or Giant River Prawns. It has been extensively farmed globally for its culinary value and is considered an invasive species requiring close monitoring in some countries.
Size: 13 inches (33 centimeters) in length.
Scientific Name: Penaeus monodon.
The Giant Tiger Prawn is the world’s biggest shrimp with a vast native range spanning from the Red Sea to Australia. However, they have also established invasive populations in the United States, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. These omnivorous prawns consume a diverse diet, including small invertebrates, mollusks, plant matter, marine worms, and even decomposing waste.
These massive tiger prawns have distinctive brown and white striped bodies, accented with black and white banded tails and hints of orange and blue. They are found in both shallow waters and at depths up to 360 feet (110 meters). These warm-water prawns begin life in estuaries, mangroves, and lagoons, adapting to various salinity levels. As they mature, they migrate to deeper waters, spending their days buried in the sandy or muddy bottom.
The Biggest Shrimp I’ve Ever Seen
FAQ
What shrimp is bigger than colossal shrimp?
Jumbo Shrimp
These bigger shrimp usually are available as 16/20, 21/25, or 26/30 per pound. Jumbo shrimp make the perfect appetizer or entrée considering 5-6 shrimp per person can be filling. Try these with cajun grilled shrimp or a classic shrimp scampi.
What is the maximum size of a shrimp?
The giant tiger prawn is the king of the shrimp, reaching up to 13 inches (33 centimeters) in length and weighing in at nearly a pound (0.45 kilograms).Jan 28, 2025