Common name : Giant tiger prawn
Scientific name : Penaeus monodon
Family : Penaeidae
Native to : Oceans and worldwide seas
Interesting fact : While molting, a prawn reabsorbs most of the protein and chitin from the old shell, as the new shell forms underneath.
Conservation status : Least Concern
Prawns belong to the sub-order Dendrobranchiata, and are found in the warmer waters of the tropical regions. They are crustaceans with shells, five pairs of swimming legs, five pairs of walking legs, three with claws and tails. They have branched-out gills and periodically molt, shedding their shells to grow. They feed on fish, krill, copepods, phytoplankton and detritus. Lifespan is 4-5 years.
