What Shrimp is 7 Inches Long? Discovering Large Prawn Species

October 27, 2025 •

2 min read

While most supermarket shrimp are only a few inches in length, several species of prawn can easily exceed the 7-inch mark. These larger crustaceans, often called prawns, are prized for their substantial size and flavor, with some, like the giant tiger prawn, capable of growing well over a foot long. This guide explores the different species that can reach an impressive seven inches or more.

Quick Summary

Several species of shrimp and prawn grow to a significant size, with some regularly reaching or exceeding seven inches. Noteworthy examples include the Kuruma prawn, Northern prawn, and the much larger giant tiger prawn. These larger crustaceans offer distinct flavors and textures, making them a premium seafood choice.

Key Points

Kuruma Prawn: The Kuruma prawn ($Marsupenaeus japonicus$) frequently reaches over 7 inches and is highly valued in Japanese cuisine for its sweet flavor.
Giant Tiger Prawn: The giant tiger prawn ($Penaeus monodon$) can grow well beyond 7 inches, reaching up to 13 inches, and is a dominant, commercially farmed species.
Giant Freshwater Prawn: The giant freshwater prawn ($Macrobrachium rosenbergii$) is another large species that can grow over a foot long and is praised for its lobster-like texture.
Northern Prawn: The Northern prawn ($Pandalus borealis$), a cold-water species, can reach up to 7 inches and has a sweet, delicate flavor.
Size Varies by Species: The term 'shrimp' and 'prawn' can be used interchangeably, but large varieties known as prawns, like those from the genera Penaeus and Macrobrachium, are most likely to reach 7 inches or more.
Larger isn't always marine: Both marine and freshwater habitats host species capable of growing to large sizes, such as the saltwater giant tiger prawn and the freshwater giant river prawn.

Kuruma Prawn: Japan's Celebrated Giant

The Kuruma prawn ($Marsupenaeus japonicus$), also known as the Japanese tiger prawn, is a significant species prized for its size, often reaching around 7.5 inches (19 cm). It's a highly valued ingredient in Japanese cuisine, appreciated for its sweet flavor and tender texture in dishes like sashimi and tempura. {Link: HowStuffWorks animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/biggest-shrimp.htm}.

Giant Tiger Prawn: The True Colossus

{Link: HowStuffWorks animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/biggest-shrimp.htm}

Habitat and Behavior of the Giant Tiger Prawn

Nocturnal: Primarily active at night, often burying in the substrate during the day.
Diet: Feeds on smaller crustaceans, mollusks, and organic matter.
Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific but has spread to other regions due to human activity.

Giant Freshwater Prawn ($Macrobrachium rosenbergii$)

The giant freshwater prawn is another species that readily exceeds 7 inches, with males potentially growing over a foot long (320 mm). It's valued for its firm, lobster-like texture and sweet taste, making it popular in aquaculture, particularly in Southeast Asia. While adults live in freshwater, their early life stages require brackish water.

Northern Prawn ($Pandalus borealis$): A Cold-Water Giant

The Northern prawn, also known as cold-water shrimp, can reach sizes up to 7 inches (17.8 cm), though smaller individuals are more common. Found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, this species is known for its sweet and delicate taste.

Comparison of Large Shrimp and Prawn Species


Feature	Kuruma Prawn	Giant Tiger Prawn	Giant Freshwater Prawn	Northern Prawn
Max. Length	~7.5 inches (19 cm)	Up to 13 inches (33 cm)	Up to 12.6 inches (32 cm)	Up to 7 inches (17.8 cm)
Flavor Profile	Sweet, delicate, tender	Rich, sweet, firm	Sweet, lobster-like texture	Sweet, delicate
Habitat	Indo-Pacific coastal waters	Indo-Pacific oceans, estuaries	Freshwater, estuaries	North Atlantic, cold water
Common Use	Sashimi, Tempura	Scampi, Tempura	Grilling, Sautéing	Scampi, Cocktail
Notable Feature	Celebrated in Japanese cuisine	Distinct tiger stripes, invasive potential	Requires brackish water for larvae	Cold-water species

Conclusion

Several species of shrimp and prawn grow to 7 inches or more, providing diverse culinary options. From the high-value Kuruma prawn to the imposing giant tiger prawn and the versatile giant freshwater prawn, these large crustaceans offer distinct flavors and textures. Understanding these differences enhances appreciation for these impressive marine and freshwater animals.

Glossary of Terms

Brackish Water: A mix of freshwater and saltwater.
Carapace: The hard outer shell covering a crustacean's head and chest.
Crustacean: A type of arthropod that includes shrimp, crabs, and lobsters.
Indo-Pacific: A vast marine biogeographic region.
Rostrum: A spike-like projection on the head of a crustacean.

Important Considerations for Consumption

Awareness of the origin of seafood, especially for potentially invasive species like the giant tiger prawn, is crucial for sustainability. Choosing seafood from responsible sources, as recommended by guides like Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch, supports healthy ecosystems.

Further Research

Resources like the Animal Diversity Web provide comprehensive species profiles to delve deeper into the characteristics and ecology of these large crustaceans. {Link: USGS nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1212}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The giant tiger prawn ($Penaeus monodon$) is one of the largest shrimp species in the world, with females capable of reaching up to 13 inches in length and weighing nearly a pound.

The giant freshwater prawn ($Macrobrachium rosenbergii$) is known for its sweet flavor and firm, succulent tail meat that has a texture similar to lobster.

No, mantis shrimp are not 'true shrimp.' They belong to a separate order of crustaceans called Stomatopoda and are known for their formidable claws and complex eyes.

Kuruma prawns ($Marsupenaeus japonicus$) are native to the Indo-Pacific region and are often found in Asian markets and used in high-end Japanese cuisine.

Yes, in certain areas, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, the giant tiger prawn is considered an invasive species. It can potentially harm native shrimp populations by outcompeting them and carrying diseases.

Giant freshwater prawns are commonly raised in aquaculture ponds. They start their life in brackish water and are moved to freshwater environments as juveniles.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, many larger species are referred to as prawns, and they have anatomical differences. From a culinary standpoint, the distinction often relates more to size, with larger crustaceans commonly labeled as prawns.