9 Biggest Shrimp in the World (and1 Massive Imposter)

Who's going to be the first one to make a "jumbo shrimp" joke? kampee patisena / Getty Images

Shrimp, in addition to being a tasty addition to many cuisines around the world, is sometimes used as an insult to call a person small or short. But did you know there are over 2,000 species of shrimp, and many shrimp actually grow to be quite large? The world's biggest shrimp is not what you'd typically call shrimpy in size.

In the seafood industry, shrimp sizes are often divided into small, medium, large, extra-large, colossal and jumbo. The average size of a small shrimp is only about 1 inch (1.4 centimeters). But the colossal and jumbo shrimp might rival the size of your standard 10-inch (14-centimeter) dinner plate.

Let's dive into the world of mega prawns and learn about these crustaceans. The list is ranked from largest to smallest, based on approximate maximum recorded size. However, it's worth noting that maximum size is not always the most common size.

Contents

Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon)
Malaysian Giant Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Indian River Prawn (Macrobrachium malcolmsonii)
Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
East Asian River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense)
Kuruma Prawn (Marsupenaeus japonicus)
Northern Prawn (Pandalus borealis)
Banana Prawn (Penaeus merguiensis)
Brown Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus)
Honorable Mention: Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)

1. Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon)

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). To put it another way, imagine an individual shrimp sitting on your kitchen counter that is as long as a rolling pin and about as heavy as a loaf of bread.

Known for their firm texture and rich, sweet flavor, these crustaceans are often used for shrimp scampi, prawn tempura, soups and other main courses. These colossal shrimp are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, where their striped shells make them as visually striking as they are delicious.

2. Malaysian Giant Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

The Malaysian giant prawn, often referred to as the giant river prawn, can grow up around 11 inches (28 centimeters) long and is known for its tender, succulent meat. Popular in Southeast Asian dishes, these large shrimp are typically served as a main course, where their firm texture can be best appreciated.

3. Indian River Prawn (Macrobrachium malcolmsonii)

The Indian river prawn is another heavyweight in the world of jumbo shrimp, reaching lengths of up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters).

Commonly found in freshwater rivers of India and neighboring regions, these prawns are often prepared in traditional curries and grilled dishes. Their tender texture and impressive shrimp size make them a luxurious addition to any meal.

4. Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Although commonly found in much smaller shrimp sizes at supermarkets, the Pacific white shrimp can grow to a surprising 9 inches (22.8 centimeters) when conditions are right. This species is a cornerstone of the seafood industry, frequently used in shrimp cocktail and other dishes due to their mild flavor and versatility.

5. East Asian River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense)

The East Asian river prawn, also called the Oriental river prawn, is known for its firm texture and sightly nutty flavor. They can reach up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long, and they're often found in Asian markets and eaten as sashimi, in tempura or in hot pot.

6. Kuruma Prawn (Marsupenaeus japonicus)

The kuruma prawn is a celebrated species in Japan, growing up to 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) long. These shrimp are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. They're often served in higher-end kaiseki meals, which refers to traditional multicourse Japanese dining.

7. Northern Prawn (Pandalus borealis)

The Northern prawn, also known as the cold-water shrimp, are usually found at normal shrimp sizes. But they can grow up to 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) long.

Found in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, these shrimp are known for their sweet, delicate flavor and versatility in dishes like shrimp scampi and shrimp cocktail.

8. Banana Prawn (Penaeus merguiensis)

Banana prawns grow up to 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters) long and are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific.

They are a popular choice in the seafood industry for their firm texture and mild flavor, which works well in a variety of dishes. Their common shrimp sizes make them ideal for stir-fries and soups where their sweetness enhances the overall taste of the dish.

9. Brown Shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus)

Rounding out the list is the brown shrimp, which can grow up to 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) in length. Compared to the 13-inch (33-cm) giant tiger prawn, this species may seem like a medium shrimp, but the brown shrimp easily exceeds your typical restaurant shrimp serving size.

Found primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, these shrimp are a staple in the seafood industry, often used in shrimp per pound calculations for recipes like gumbo and jambalaya. With their firm texture and bold flavor, they're a favorite for those who enjoy hearty dishes.

Honorable Mention: Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus)

Although technically not a true shrimp, the colossal mantis shrimp is worth mentioning in a list of ginormous shrimp.

Despite its name, the colossal peacock mantis shrimp is a stomatopod, a separate order of malacostracan crustaceans. This colorful crustacean typically grows up to 12 inches (30 centimeters), but a fisherman in Florida recently caught one that was 18 inches (45.7 centimeters).

They're also deadly. They have what scientists call "raptoral appendages" with massive muscles strong enough to smash through the glass wall of an aquarium.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.