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Science & Nature • Marine Biology

Shrimp

Shrimp are small aquatic crustaceans found in marine and freshwater environments.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shrimp are small aquatic crustaceans belonging to the order Decapoda, which gives them ten legs. They inhabit both marine and freshwater environments, and most species are omnivorous or scavenging, feeding on algae, detritus, plankton, and other organic material. In common usage, the term “shrimp” can refer to various related species across different families and habitats.

Classification

Shrimp are crustaceans, not insects, and belong to the order Decapoda. They are part of the arthropod group, which also includes insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.

Habitat and ecology

Shrimp occur in oceans, estuaries, rivers, lakes, and aquariums. Many species help recycle organic material by feeding on detritus, algae, and other small food sources.

Diet and feeding

Wild shrimp generally eat a broad mix of algae, plankton, decaying plant and animal matter, and tiny organisms. Aquarium shrimp are often fed prepared shrimp foods and may also graze on biofilm and leftovers.

Shrimp and prawns

The words shrimp and prawns are used differently depending on region and context. In scientific usage, the distinction is not always strict, and common names may overlap.

Key facts

  • Shrimp are aquatic crustaceans in the order Decapoda, which gives them ten legs.
  • They live in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
  • Many shrimp are opportunistic omnivores or scavengers.
  • The distinction between shrimp and prawns is not consistent across all regions or scientific classification.
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Canadian context

Shrimp are widely consumed in Canada and are important in Canadian seafood markets, especially for Atlantic and Pacific fisheries and aquaculture. Canadian readers may also encounter shrimp in aquarium keeping and marine ecology topics.

Frequently asked questions

What do shrimp eat?
Most shrimp are opportunistic omnivores or scavengers that eat algae, plankton, detritus, biofilm, decaying plant matter, and small animals or organic remains, depending on species and habitat.
How long do shrimp live?
Lifespan varies by species and environment. Many shrimp live only a few years, while some species can live longer under favorable conditions.
Are shrimp insects?
No. Shrimp are crustaceans, not insects. Both are arthropods, but they are different groups with different body structures and evolutionary histories.
What is the difference between shrimp and prawns?
The terms are used inconsistently across regions. In everyday language they may refer to different-looking or differently sized decapod crustaceans, but scientifically the distinction is not always clear-cut.
How many legs does a shrimp have?
Shrimp have 10 legs, which is why they are classified as decapods.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/shrimp
    Supports: Shrimp are decapod crustaceans; general biology, classification, and habitats.
  2. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/species/2448
    Supports: Shrimp and prawns as commercially important crustaceans; broad diet and habitat context.
  3. Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Decapoda/
    Supports: Decapod classification and the fact that decapods have ten legs.
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/shrimp-vs-prawn-difference
    Supports: Regional and usage differences between shrimp and prawns.
  5. Fisheries and Oceans Canada — https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.html
    Supports: Canadian context for shrimp as a seafood resource and marine species.