Black tiger shrimp
Penaeus monodon
It is commonly known as the giant tiger prawn, is one of the largest shrimp species in the world, growing up to about 35 cm in length. It has a hard shell with distinctive dark and light bands across its body, giving it a tiger-like appearance. This species spends its life in coastal waters and estuaries, where it searches the seafloor for food using its long antennae and walking legs.
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About this species
Species identity
It is commonly known as the giant tiger prawn, is one of the largest shrimp species in the world, growing up to about 35 cm in length. It has a hard shell with distinctive dark and light bands across its body, giving it a tiger-like appearance. This species spends its life in coastal waters and estuaries, where it searches the seafloor for food using its long antennae and walking legs.
Where it lives
Penaeus monodon is native to the warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from the east coast of Africa to Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and the western Pacific islands. It lives on sandy and muddy seafloors in coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove habitats, where juveniles often grow before moving offshore as adults.
Role in the ecosystem
It feeds on small animals, algae, and decaying organic matter found on the seafloor. By recycling nutrients and serving as prey for fish, rays, and other marine predators, it helps keep coastal food webs healthy. This species plays an important role in transferring energy from the seafloor to larger animals.
Scientific reference
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FAQ
Why is it called the giant tiger prawn?
It gets its name from the dark stripes across its shell, which look like the markings of a tiger. It is also one of the largest shrimp species in the world.
Can giant tiger prawns grow a new leg?
Yes! If a giant tiger prawn loses a leg or one of its claws, it can gradually regrow it over several molts, although it may take more than one molt to fully replace it.