What Are The Differences Between Shrimp Varieties?

Not all shrimp are the same. Although they are usually known by the same name,  there are differences between shrimp varieties. 

Shrimps can be divided into Dendrobranchiata and Pleocyemata subdivisions. Both species have a short life cycle. They are easy to prey with shrimp nets. The similarities stem from their biological origins. Biologist Marcelo Scelzo describes them as ten-legged crustaceans because they have a hard outer shell and ten feet.

However, there are differences between shrimp varieties in terms of body, habitat, reproduction and taste. Keep reading and we’ll tell you more about these two shrimp varieties.

Shrimp varieties are biologically diverse

Both varieties belong to the same family, but their physique is different. In this publication, France and De Grave show that shrimps belonging to the subdivision Dendrobanchiata have branched gills. Three of their ten legs have scissors. Shrimps in the Pleocyemata sub-block, on the other hand, have unbranched gills and scissors on only two forelegs.

Shrimp tentacles and bark reveal more specific differences between these varieties. Dendrobrianchata shrimp have strong and long tactile horns that can triple their body size. Their shell also descends differently around the central body.

Pleocyemata shrimp often hatch their eggs under the hind legs, where they stay attached and become part of plankton. Some of these shrimp are born as males and become females as they age. Dendrobrianchata shrimp, in turn, reproduce by mating with males and females, then lowering the fertilized eggs into the water.

Habitat of shrimp varieties

Pleocyemata shrimp live on the seabed and in the oceans. They need oxygen and thus prefer shallow water. They occur in tropical and temperate waters with rock and seaweed, such as lake bottoms, corals, mud, beach sand, salt water, and freshwater lagoons. They also live in caves, cracks, and other places with running or standing water.

They move in the ocean en masse and withstand almost any change in climate. Thus, they are able to live in many different places around the planet.

Dendrobrianchata shrimp live only in the sea. Penaeidae is the most caught variety that lives in shallow coastal waters. Other varieties dig into the seabed during the day but come back to the surface at night to eat.

The larvae of these shrimp cannot withstand very low temperatures. This seems to be the reason for their poor spread to other areas.

Which ones are bigger?

These shrimp varieties are easy to distinguish by size. Dendrobrianchata shrimp are much larger.

They can be 15-20 cm long and are gray, while Pleocyemata shrimp are on average 1-2.5 cm long. However, the largest of them can be a little over 7 cm long and brown.

Nutritional differences between shrimp varieties

At first glance, it seems that no matter which variety you eat. However, there are nutritional differences between them. 

According to the nutritional composition table published by the Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), Pleocyemata shrimp contain about 20% protein (this is similar to fish, chicken and other meats). The fat content is very low.

These shrimps also contain minerals (52 g of calcium and 2.4 mg of highly absorbent iron) as well as 54 retinols. They are also rich in potassium, sodium, magnesium and zinc.

Dendrobrianchata shrimp, on the other hand, contain only 16% of your daily protein needs and are less fat. They also contain 27 mg of calcium, 1 mg of iron and 16 retinol. However, their potassium content is higher – almost 300 mg.

Both shrimp varieties contain astaxanthin, one of the most effective antioxidants available in food. It appears in the red color of the shrimp after frying. Lopez Roldan points out that there are numerous health benefits associated with this pigment.

Which ones taste better?

There is a slight difference in taste between these shrimp varieties. Dendrobrianchata shrimp are slightly sweeter and undoubtedly have an effect on the taste of food. Pleocyemata shrimps, on the other hand, have a stronger taste and are well suited for soups and casserole dishes.

Dendrobrianchata shrimp also taste great with garlic, butter and parsley. They are a good choice for stews and to be enjoyed with pasta or rice. They can also be grilled  depending on the size. The paella made from seafood, on the other hand, tastes better with Pleocyemata shrimp because of their stronger flavor.

Dendrobrianchata shrimps are harder in structure and their meat is drier. So they should not be cooked for too long.

Do these differences matter?

In addition to the size, skin, habitat or reproduction of shrimp varieties, their differences affect the nutritional value of the food. So eat Pleocyemata shrimp when you need more protein or iron and want to make a strong-tasting portion of seafood. In turn, eat Dendrobrianchata shrimp when you need more potassium as well as less fat and want to prepare a more balanced taste and texture.