What is the Difference Between Prawn and Lobster?

Prawns and lobsters are both crustaceans, but they have several differences in terms of size, appearance, habitat, and taste. Here are the main differences between prawns and lobsters:

1. Size: Lobsters are the largest among the two, with a bigger body than prawns. Prawns are larger than shrimps, which are the smallest among these crustaceans.
2. Appearance: Prawns have elongated bodies with a curved shape and a segmented exoskeleton. They typically have long, slender legs and a fan-like tail, and come in various colors, including shades of pink, brown, and gray. Lobsters, on the other hand, have a pair of clawed forelegs and a more pronounced exoskeleton.
3. Habitat: Shrimps can live in freshwater, prawns are found in both fresh and saltwater, while lobsters live in saltwater and brackish water but not fresh water.
4. Lifestyle: Shrimps and prawns are swimmers, while lobsters are crawling or walking crustaceans.
5. Taste and Texture: Prawns have a firm and slightly springy bite, similar to lobster, but with a different texture. Lobsters are known for their meaty texture and are considered more flavorful than prawns. The taste of lobsters can also vary depending on their diet.

In summary, prawns and lobsters differ in size, appearance, habitat, and taste. Prawns are smaller and have a curved body shape, while lobsters are larger with a more pronounced exoskeleton. Prawns are found in both fresh and saltwater, while lobsters live in saltwater and brackish water. Prawns have a firm and slightly springy texture, whereas lobsters have a meaty texture and a more pronounced taste.

Comparative Table: Prawn vs Lobster

Here is a table comparing the differences between prawns and lobsters:

Prawns and lobsters are both popular seafood options, but they have distinct differences in appearance, taste, and texture. Prawns have elongated bodies with a curved shape and a segmented exoskeleton, while lobsters have a larger, cylindrical body with a hard exoskeleton. Prawns are typically found in freshwater and saltwater, while lobsters are usually found in saltwater. Prawns have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor with a firm and meaty texture, whereas lobsters have a richer, more savory flavor and a firmer texture. In terms of price and accessibility, prawns are usually more budget-friendly and widely accessible, while lobsters are often considered a luxury food and are more expensive.