This article explores the question of the largest shrimp, distinguishing between what are scientifically considered true shrimp and other large, shrimp-like crustaceans often encountered.
The Largest Known Shrimp
True shrimp belong to the infraorder Caridea. Among the known species, the Deep Water Rose Shrimp, scientifically known as Parapenaeus longirostris, stands out as a large example of a true shrimp. Females of this species can reach lengths of up to 7.5 inches (19 centimeters), with males being slightly smaller at up to 6.3 inches. This species is typically found in the deep ocean environments of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. While some general classifications suggest true shrimp can exceed 30 centimeters (1 foot) in length, specific named species reaching this maximum are less commonly detailed in scientific literature.
Life in the Deep
The Deep Water Rose Shrimp thrives in its deep-water habitat, typically residing on muddy and sandy sea floors. These environments are characterized by stable, cold temperatures and significantly high pressures, which present unique challenges for life. The shrimp’s preferred depth range extends from approximately 65 feet down to 2,200 feet, with larger individuals tending to inhabit the deeper parts of this range.
Survival in such conditions often necessitates specialized feeding strategies due to the scarcity of food. The Deep Water Rose Shrimp exhibits a varied diet that becomes more diverse as the animal matures. Its primary sustenance includes foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms, alongside other small organisms living on the seafloor. This opportunistic feeding behavior allows it to utilize available food sources in its dimly lit, resource-limited environment.
Beyond True Shrimp: Other Large Relatives
The term “shrimp” is often used broadly, leading to confusion with other large crustaceans that are not scientifically classified as true shrimp (Caridea). Prawns, belonging to the suborder Dendrobranchiata, are one such group frequently mistaken for shrimp. Anatomically, prawns differ from true shrimp in their gill structure and how their body segments overlap. Prawns typically have larger pincers on their second pair of legs, while true shrimp have their largest pincers on the first pair.
Notable examples of large prawns include the Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon), which can grow to an impressive 13 inches (33 centimeters) in length and weigh almost a pound (0.45 kilograms). This species is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. Another large prawn is the Malaysian Giant Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), capable of reaching lengths of up to 11 inches (28 centimeters).
Mantis shrimp, from the order Stomatopoda, represent another distinct group of large crustaceans often colloquially referred to as shrimp, despite not being true shrimp. These powerful creatures average about 10 centimeters in length, though some species can grow to around 30 centimeters, with the largest recorded specimen reaching 46 centimeters (18 inches). Mantis shrimp are known for their specialized, club-like or spear-like forelimbs used to capture prey with remarkable speed and force. They typically inhabit burrows in tropical and subtropical marine waters.