What Are The Biggest Shrimp Called

So, picture this: I’m at a friend’s barbecue, and he pulls out a platter of what I can only describe as miniature lobsters. They were huge, pink, and intimidating. “What are these?” I asked, pointing at the monstrosities. He just winked and said, “The biggest shrimp you’ll ever see.”

That got me thinking—what exactly are the biggest shrimp called? Because let’s be honest, a shrimp that size deserves a name that sounds like it bench-presses its own weight. I had to dig into this, and I found out the answer is way more fun than you’d expect.

Meet the Jumbo Class

First, a quick reality check: shrimp aren’t classified by size the way you’d guess at the grocery store. You’ve seen those labels: “Colossal,” “Jumbo,” “Extra Large.” Those are marketing terms, not scientific ones.

But the true biggest shrimp in the wild? That title belongs to the Mantis Shrimp—wait, no, that’s a different beast entirely. We’ll get to that. For edible, farmed giants, the crown goes to the Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon). These guys can grow over a foot long.

One foot. That’s a shrimp that could slap you in the face at a seafood buffet. And yes, they’re aggressive, which makes them even cooler.

The Colossal Contender

But if you want the absolute biggest shrimp name you’ll see on a menu, look for “Colossal” or “Super Colossal.” These are usually U-10s, meaning less than 10 shrimp make a pound. That’s a monster.

One of these suckers is roughly the size of your hand (if you have small hands—mine are average, okay?). In the industry, they’re often called “Sea Monkeys on steroids.” No, that’s not official, but it should be.

I remember ordering a plate of Colossal Shrimp in New Orleans and feeling like a giant was staring back at me from the plate. I almost asked for a sword to fight it.

Worlds Largest Prawn

The Real Heaviest Hitter: The Mantis Shrimp

Now, for the scientific biggest shrimp? You need to know about the Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus). They’re not technically “true shrimp” (they’re stomatopods), but they stole the title anyway.

These things can reach up to 12 inches in length and weigh over a pound. But size isn’t their only claim to fame—they have the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom. They can see polarized light and ultraviolet colors we can’t even imagine.

Oh, and they punch. Hard. Like, literally break aquarium glass hard. I’m not kidding—they’re called “thumb splitters” for a reason. Imagine that at your barbecue.

Wait, Are They Even Shrimp?

Here’s the ironic part: Mantis Shrimp aren’t actually classified as “shrimp” in the culinary world. Chefs hate this one trick. But if you’re asking for the biggest crustacean that looks like a shrimp, they win the genetic lottery.

For true shrimp (Caridea), the record holder is the Giant Tiger Prawn, which can hit 13 inches and weigh over a pound. That’s basically a lobster with a PR agent.

I’ve heard stories of fishermen catching these things and initially thinking they hooked a small fish. Then the shrimp stares at them with its little beady eyes, and they realize: “Nope, that’s the muscle of the sea.”

The 10 Largest Shrimp (and Prawns) in the World - A-Z Animals

The Everyday Champion You Can Buy

So, what do you call the biggest shrimp you can actually buy at the store? It depends on your budget and your bravery. The common labels are:

• Jumbo (U-15): 15 or fewer per pound. Good for grilling.
• Colossal (U-10): The ones that make you say “whoa.”
• Super Colossal (U-6): The rarest and priciest. Often served as a main course, not a side.

I once paid $30 for a single Super Colossal shrimp at a restaurant in Tokyo. It was served on a tiny bed of rice, like a delicate sculpture. I felt like a barbarian eating it, but it was worth every penny.

Pro tip: If you see “Extra Colossal” on a menu, ask the waiter if it comes with a saddle. You’ll need it.

The Darker Truth About Big Shrimp

Let’s be real for a second. Not all big shrimp are natural. Many are farmed using growth hormones or raised in overcrowded ponds. The biggest shrimp often come from Southeast Asia, where they’re pumped up to look like superstars.

Largest Shrimp Ever

But if you can get your hands on wild-caught Giant Tiger Prawns from the Gulf of Mexico? That’s the holy grail. They’re sweet, firm, and taste like the ocean decided to flex its muscles.

I’m not here to guilt you into buying only wild shrimp—buy what you can afford. Just know that when you’re eating a Colossal shrimp, you’re essentially eating a creature that could have beaten you in an arm wrestling match.

And the Winner Is…

So, to answer the question: the biggest shrimp are called Colossal or Super Colossal at the store, the Mantis Shrimp if you’re a science nerd, and the Giant Tiger Prawn if you want to be accurate.

But honestly, the best name I’ve ever heard came from my buddy at that barbecue. He called them “Godzilla’s appetizers.” I’ll never look at shrimp cocktail the same way again.

Next time you order shrimp, ask for the “U-6” monsters. Just be ready to sacrifice a side dish, because these shrimp don’t share the plate. They are the plate.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for a prawn the size of my forearm. Catch you at the seafood counter.