Text - Prawns vs. shrimps <PERSON> say 'shrimp, while Aussies and <PERSON> say 'prawn' - but are these really two names for the same thing or is there a difference? Those who use both terms might say that prawns are the big ones and shrimps are the small ones. Wrong! Actually shrimps and prawns are different species. Shrimp Prawn Claw-like legs Body shape Body form Each segment overlaps the one behind, so the second segment overlaps the third one only Three pairs No distinct bend Two pairs Second