How to Identify Giant Tiger Prawn

To identify Giant Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is typically dark brown to black with distinctive transverse yellow or white bands across the carapace and abdomen. The antennae are often banded. The legs and pleopods can be reddish-brown.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Large size, often exceeding 25 cm in length., Prominent rostrum with 7-8 dorsal teeth and 2-3 ventral teeth., Distinctive dark and light banding pattern on the carapace and abdomen., Absence of a median groove on the postrostral carina., Fifth pereiopod (walking leg) lacks an exopod.

Dorsal fin

Not applicable (crustacean, not a fish)

Tail fin

Large, fan-like telson and uropods, used for rapid backward escape (tail-flip).

Pectoral fin

Not applicable (crustacean, not a fish)

Distinctive fins

Pleopods (swimmerets) are well-developed and used for swimming and carrying eggs in females. Pereiopods (walking legs) are slender.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   One of the largest penaeid prawns, often reaching 25-33 cm (10-13 inches) in total length and weighing over 100 grams.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Look for the characteristic dark brown to black body with prominent, contrasting yellow or white transverse bands on the carapace and abdominal segments.

3. 3

   Rostrum

   Examine the rostrum (the pointed extension between the eyes). It typically has 7-8 dorsal teeth and 2-3 ventral teeth. The postrostral carina (ridge behind the rostrum) lacks a median groove.

4. 4

   Fifth Pereiopod

   A key distinguishing feature is the absence of an exopod (outer branch) on the fifth pair of walking legs.

Explore Giant Tiger Prawn