Black tiger shrimp are one of the most popular shrimp varieties found in grocery stores and restaurants. If you’ve ever ordered jumbo shrimp cocktail or scampi, chances are it was made with black tigers. Known for their large size, bold black stripes, and sweet mild taste, black tiger shrimp have become a seafood staple. But what exactly are they, and what makes them different than other shrimp?

An Overview of Black Tiger Shrimp

Black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) are a species of giant tiger prawn native to the Indo-Pacific region. They get their name from the dark tiger-like black stripes that run horizontally along their grayish-brown shells. They have long antennae and can grow up to a foot long making them the largest shrimp species in the world.

While some black tigers are still wild-caught the majority sold today are farm-raised in ponds through aquaculture especially in major producing countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This provides a reliable, consistent supply to meet global demand.